Audrey Jean Peterson

Audrey Jean Peterson, age 97, passed away in the early morning of Thursday, May 1, 2025. She was born in Dell Rapids, South Dakota on February 17, 1928, to George and Elna Anderson. Two years later her sister, Grace, was born. They were best friends throughout their lives.

Audrey graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1945. She earned her RN degree from Sioux Valley Nursing School in 1948. She then worked in a small hospital in Belle Fourche, SD. There, she met Richard (Dick) Peterson in 1952 at a Valentine’s Day dance. He was stationed nearby at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City. They were married November 14, 1952. They lived for two years in Ft. Worth, TX, then moved to Portland after he was discharged from the service. By 1961 they had 2 children, Nancy and Mark, and were living at their current address. Welcoming their son-in-law, Jim, in 1984 and grandson, Andrew, in 1989 made the family complete.

Audrey worked as an RN on the 11 pm – 7 am shift at the Village Convalescent Home for 25 years, retiring in 1993. She was married for 54 years before Dick’s passing in 2007.

Through the years, Audrey baked delicious cookies, bars, and desserts. She also enjoyed sewing, playing card games, going to the coast, vacation trips to SD, being a part of the Esther Circle group, volunteering at Zarephath Pantry, and staying in touch with friends on the phone. She was a 60+ year member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham.

Audrey had a wonderful God-filled life. Her family was very important to her, and she constantly showed this through all the big and little things she did for them. She was loved by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by many of her family and friends, and was ready to be reunited with many of them again in Heaven. Those of us still here will miss her dearly.

Memorial contributions can be made to Special Olympics Oregon or Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham, Oregon.