Kathleen Peterson

Kathleen Peterson passed peacefully on June 3, 2024 - one week after her 100th birthday. Born in Larimore, North Dakota during the Great Depression, Kathleen helped raise her three younger siblings before heading to North Dakota State and becoming a Tri Delta. In 1944 she left college to marry her love, John (Jack) L. Peterson, a young pilot in the U.S Army Air Corps. Kathleen loved traveling the world as part of their military life and made it to every continent except Antarctica. During their stay in Germany, she and Jack adopted three infants - all within 18 months. Following Jack’s retirement from the service in 1963, they moved to Sacramento, where Kathleen raised her children, ran their Real Estate company, perfected the art of entertaining friends and family, and excelled at bridge into her final days. She was also a founding member of the Capital City Yacht Club and, alongside Jack, became a mainstay in the local boating community. Nearly every weekend, one could find them on the Sacramento and American Rivers, often guiding their two young grandchildren on an adventure.

Kathleen is survived by her youngest sister, Jo Greene; her sons Kurt Peterson, and Gary Peterson; her daughter Jackie Peterson Ward (Dr. Richard Ward); her grandchildren Matthew J. Ward (Victoria Cavallino Ward), and Kristen K. Ward (Matthew LaMonaca); and her great grandson Myles, the newest light of her life. Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, John L. (Jack) Peterson.

Kathleen will be laid to rest in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations in honor of Kathleen to the Sacramento Children’s Home.