Gloria Patricia Peterson

Dec. 3, 1928 – April 27, 2018

Gloria Peterson, who loved her family and church, died April 27, 2018 in Fresno, where she lived her adult life.

Gloria was active in the Sacred Heart Church Rosary and Altar Society, and took pride in running the Sweet Tooth Booth at the church spring festival. When her beloved husband, Fresno firefighter John Peterson I, died suddenly in 1985, she devoted her life to her son Jaimie, a courtesy clerk at Von’s for 27 years.

Gloria Rangel was born in Pittsburg, CA, to Alfredo and Fernanda Rangel. She moved with her seven siblings to Fresno in time to attend and graduate Fresno Tech in 1947. She worked in retail at Kress, Owl Drug and Triple J. Her striking good looks and 1000-watt smile made her a favorite “trophy girl” at local raceways in the 1940s. Fresno icon Bill Vukovich, future Indy winner, insisted she present his award.

She met her husband after his stint in the Navy; they married in 1954. Their lives soon revolved around John II, Jeffrey, Jaimie and Michelle, with whom they rode dirt bikes and camped at Yosemite and other adventures. Gloria volunteered with the PTA, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and at St. Agnes Hospital.

Later she became active in the altar society. She loved the fundraisers and talked excitedly for weeks about her preparations. She also found meaning in her work with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. To anyone who performed a kindness or favor, Gloria would tell them “you get a gold star.” If you walked into her kitchen you ate, whether hungry or not.

The death of John II 20 months ago broke her heart. She spent her remaining time at home with family.

Mrs. Peterson is survived by sisters Connie Gomez, Angie Schiappi, and Dora Vetter; and her children Jeffrey Peterson (Leslie) of Castro Valley; Jaimie Peterson of Fresno; Michelle Peterson (Tracie Cone) of Sacramento; grandchildren Johnny, Kristen, Jake and Mikey Peterson, and Tabetha Cardenas. And many loved nieces and nephews.

Instead of flowers please consider donations in her name to Animal Rescue Fresno (http://www.arf-fresno.com/) 4545 E. Dakota Avenue, Fresno, 93726; and Hinds Hospice (www.hindshospice.org ), 2490 W. Shaw Ave., Fresno 93711.

The funeral mass is at noon May 11 at Sacred Heart Church, 2140 N. Cedar, with a motorcycle-led processional to Clovis Cemetery for burial.