Ann Parks Petersen

Ann was born on January 25, 1960, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Arthur Riggs Parks Jr. and Mary Margarette Parks Harwell. She was a proud graduate of King High School and Florida State University, where she became an active and beloved member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Ann carried the spirit of both with her throughout her life. Ann’s heart was always open to those around her, and she had a rare ability to make people feel special, whether through a warm conversation or by simply offering a listening ear.

On June 24, 1989, she married the love of her life, William Petersen, at First United Methodist Church in Tampa. Together, they built a life full of joy, love, and purpose. Ann’s life was centered around family—her children, Brandy, Beau, and Brett, were the lights of her world, and she cherished every moment she spent with them. As a mother, she was dedicated, loving, and always present. Whether coaching her children in sports or leading the choir at St. Peter's, or sharing stories of her college days with her sisters, Ann’s energy and passion touched everyone she met.

For over 20 years, Ann worked as a Financial Advisor, where her expertise was admired, but it was her genuine care for others that made her a beloved mentor and friend. She built lasting relationships wherever she went, and her bright, welcoming personality made her a social butterfly in every sense of the word.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, William; her parents, Arthur and Mary Margarette; and her brother, Arthur III.

She is survived by her sister, Rosemary Smithson, and brother-in-law, Ben Smithson; her children, Brandy Cruzado son-in-law Jesus Cruzado, Beau Petersen, and Brett Lafrance son-in-law Jeremiah Lafrance; and her cherished grandchildren, Derek William Cruzado, Kaya Paige Lafrance, and Jaxon Manuel Cruzado.

Ann’s legacy of love, kindness, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She brought light into every room she entered, and her memory will be carried on by her family, her sisters in Tri Delta, and the many lives she touched.

A celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on December 21, 2024. It will be held at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 12200 Forest Hill Blvd. Wellington, FL. 33414, with Pastor Rainer Richter & Pastor Corey Britt officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, CROSS Ministries, or Hospice, in honor of Ann’s lifelong commitment to her faith and service to others.