Elinor Field

On March 9, 2026, our world lost its color with the passing of the bold, beautiful, and unforgettable Elinor Pettersen Field. Her adventurous spirit and resilience saw her through the many twists and turns of her almost 96 years. Known for her impeccable aesthetic style, fierce independence, and the ability to let you know exactly what she thought with a few choice words or a look, she is no doubt setting the direction on this, her next adventure.

Elinor is survived by her daughters Michelle Field, Renee Suttle-Field, and Kim Field; daughter-in-law Kay Suttle-Field; grandchildren Gage and Ella Suttle-Field; sister-in-law Janice Lynn (Bob) Lundberg; nieces Peggy Shelgren, Shonna (Dave) King, and Karen Shelgren; and nephew Steve (Nancy) Shelgren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Colonel Kenneth W. Field (Ret.), her brother Reidar Pettersen, sister Shirley Pettersen Shelgren, sister-in-law Maryanne Nygard Pettersen, brother-in-law Dave Shelgren, and her first husband, James Murray.

Born March 30, 1930, in Big Bay, Michigan, to Arne Julius Pettersen and Signe Alvide Sivertsen Pettersen, Elinor spent much of her childhood in Duluth, Minnesota, graduating from Denfeld High School, Class of 1948. In 1955, Elinor moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she met and married Air Force pilot Kenneth W. Field. Their eighteen-year military journey took them across the United States and abroad to Turkey before they settled in Austin, Texas, in 1979.

Driven by a constant desire to go, do, and see, Elinor’s adventures spanned the globe. From extended seasons in Europe visiting her daughter Renee to venturing into the far-reaching landscapes of China, she moved through the world with a vibrant curiosity, taking along eager family and friends.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff at Brookdale and Hospice Austin for their compassionate care and support during Elinor’s final chapter.

Elinor’s Celebration of Life will be live-streamed on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM CDT. It will also be available for viewing on her Dignity Memorial Obituary page until June 28, 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Elinor's strength, originality, and unmistakable spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.