Donna M. Petersen

She was born on September 16, 1959, in Norwood, MA, the daughter of the late Paul Petersen and Bettyann (Morris) Vakauza. She moved to Harrisville, NH from Sharon, MA, during her sophomore year of high school. She graduated from Keene High School with the class of 1977.

Following high school, Donna held various positions as a bookkeeper. She began her career at a local bank and later Keene Chrysler, after taking some time off to raise her children. Donna was the office manager at John Brown Ltd. for quite a few years. She worked at the Monadnock Humane Society, where those of us that know her well would be surprised to hear that she fostered a few pets, and even ended up adopting a little chihuahua. She had her own bookkeeping business, Petersen Professionals, and held a long-time position with Tasoulas Reality.

Donna was a loving soul, who in addition to raising her own family, fostered many children. Donna’s door was always open, and she was known to be a great listener. She was a strong believer in giving back to the community, which she did in various ways. She participated in Habitat for Humanity, and most recently found fulfillment with her involvement in Keene Kiwanis.

Donna enjoyed trips to the ocean and curling up with a good book. More than anything, she cherished time with her family and being “Nana” to her grandchildren.

Donna will be dearly missed by her three children: Rebecca Simino and her husband Jason of Westmoreland, NH, Steven Wilder and his wife Selena of Keene, NH, and Kevin Wilder of Keene; nine grandchildren: Reggie, Cameron, Cora, Carmyn, Lily, Mason, Oliver, Breken, and Hayes; three siblings: Richard Petersen and his wife Carrie of Punta Gorda, FL, Jan Mackey and her husband Jim of North Swanzey, NH, and Linda Myers and her husband Steve of Dover, NH; three stepsiblings: Paul Vakauza of Waxhaw, NC, Heidi Baumbarger and her husband Bob of Wellston, OH, and Keith Vakauza of Rutherfordton, NC; devoted partner: Dave Sage of Keene, NH; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and numerous friends.

Those who knew an loved Donna are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 16, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Papagallos Restaurant, 9 Mondanock Highway, Swanzey, NH. Family will celebrate Donna’s life with a private graveside service at Monadnock View Cemetery in Keene, NH, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be made in Donna’s name to Home Healthcare, Hospice, and Community Services, PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431 (www.HCSServices.org). The Petersen family is appreciative of the impeccable care Donna received during her final days.