Mabel Eleanor Peterson

Mabel was born on October 24, 1916 in Eureka, CA to Harry and Annie Bjorkstrand Light of Indianola. After a brief, sudden illness, Mabel passed away peacefully on August 27, 2011 with her family by her side. Mabel, a fourth generation Californian, was a proud descendent of James Monroe Light, who was born in 1847 and who is said to be one of the first children born to U.S. born parents in what is now California.

Mabel graduated from Eureka High School in 1935 and then attended Humboldt State College receiving a business degree. In May of 1939, she married Aaron Peterson. Their first son, Jerry, was born in 1940 followed by her son James in 1942, son Charlie in 1946 and daughter Gayle in 1948. While raising her family, she worked as an accountant for various companies including the old California Barrel Factory, the accounting firm Cook & Cernich, Arcata Supply and Eureka Aero until retiring in 1980.

She and Aaron enjoyed many activities with their family including spending time at the cabin on the Bjorkstand ranch at Iqua Buttes, water skiing and camping at the lakes with son Jerry, traveling to vaious horse events with daughter Gayle, watching many motorcycle races their sons were involved in, they vacationed in Hawaii several times, took many bus trips from the Shanty to Giants games in San Francisco, bus trips to the Reno Air Races and in later life enoyed their vegetable and flower gardens in Bayside. They also enjoyed many picnics and outings on Jacoby Creek with the Anderson's, the McCutcheon's, the Tinkey's, the Morris's, the Miller's, the Cooks, the Guthridge's and many other friends.

One of her life-long joys was her sewing club. The Sewing Club began in 1937 when a group of her friends decided to get together to sew. The group grew to fourteen members to this day they continue to meet monthly. With the loss of Mabel there are now only three remaining members who are Dorothy Anderson, Madeline French and Ione Garcelon. Other activities she was involved with included various roles in the Pythian Sisters, 4-H, PTA, Garden Club, Scouting, the election board and many others. She was also a dedicated life-long member of the Bayside Community Presbyterian Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Annie Light, her brother James who lost his life while courageously serving in WWII, Husband Aaron, son Jerry and brother-in-law Runar Anderson and grandson-in-law Brad Trimeloni.

Mabel is survived by her sister Dorothy Anderson of McKinleyville, CA, brother Roy Light (wife Lee) of Meeker, CO, brother Richard Light (wife Marjorie) of El Dorado Hills, CA, son James (wife Rita) of Twin Falls, ID, son Charlie (wife Karen) of McKinleyville, CA and daughter Gayle Bear (husband Woody) of Lincoln, CA and daughter-in-law Sharron Peterson of Redding, CA. She is also survived by six grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, fifteen great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In the last years of her life she resided at Timber Ridge in McKinleyville among some of her dearest friends. While there she participated in many activities and thoroughly enjoyed meeting many new friends as well. She especially appreciated the care given by the helpful and understanding staff.

Donations may be made to the Bayside Community Presbyterian Church, the Jerry Peterson Fund through the Humboldt Area Foundation or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at the Bayside Community Presbyterian Church on Friday, September 2, 2011 at 2:00p.m. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com click on obits.

Arrangements under the direction of Paul's Chapel, Arcata, CA.