Laura Jane Petersen, 77, of Ventura, CA passed away on June 3, 2021, after enduring multiple health problems for over a year. We are heartbroken to lose her but rejoice that she is at peace with her Lord.
Laura was born to Elmer and Frances, a newspaper editor and a grammar schoolteacher, respectively. She was an only child of older parents but learned that she had six half brothers and sisters in Oklahoma and eventually enjoyed a close relationship with her sister Florence. She was a proud descendent of and member of the Arapaho tribe of Oklahoma. Laura grew up in Eureka, CA and always loved the redwood trees and rugged northern California coastline. In her youth, she was a member of Job’s Daughters and enjoyed choir and playing piano. She graduated from Eureka High School in 1961, then attended San Jose State University where she met her husband, Richard Petersen of Ventura. They moved to Milpitas, CA and raised three children, Carrie, Donald, and Jennifer, whom she loved very much. After 17 years, Laura and “Pete” went their separate ways. In 1980, she moved to Stockton, CA with Jennifer to start a new life and was later joined by Don. Over the following twelve years she made many friends and had many adventures. She worked as a psychiatric technician, demonstrating compassionate care for developmentally delayed people at Agnew State Hospital and Stockton State Hospital. After medical retirement, she returned to Humboldt County and cared for her mother at home for 10 years. In 2002, she moved to Ventura, CA to be near family. She took great pleasure in being “Grandmama” to 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Laura was a very caring, fun-loving, and interesting person. She inspired and loved so many people, often those who needed acceptance the most. Many young people called her “Mom”, as she filled an important role in their lives. She had a way of making people feel comfortable and was a trustworthy confidant. She was a “crazy-cat lady” and took many furry feline friends into her home over the years. She was always eager to join in a song or dance; legend tells stories of her dancing on tables. She was full of interesting facts, sharing her passion for movies, TV shows, and news. She gave her kids an appreciation for music, books, and education. She sought God all her life and explored many religious avenues but was really at home in her Catholic faith these last several years. She was a parishioner at Sacred Heart Church and loved serving in the RCIA classes. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Final arrangements are under the care of JOSEPH P REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura. A Celebration of Life memorial reception was held on Saturday June 19th at the BuenaVentura Mobile Home Estates clubhouse. Laura was remembered and prayed for during the Mass Intention on Monday June 21 at Sacred Heart Church. Her cremains will be scattered in Northern California. Memorial donations may be made to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.