Obituaries: July 27, 2010

Nadiene Petersen

Our beloved Nadiene Petersen entered into the presence of the Lord on July 22, 2010.

Her life was a shining example of God's redemptive love. Nadiene spent her life extending grace, kindness, and wisdom to those around her. Her life of ministry to her family, friends, and community emulated the love she experienced through her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will greatly miss our dear mother, sister, mentor, and friend.

Nadiene was born January 31, 1932 in Quincy, Ca to Frederick and Helen (Neer) Brown. She grew up in Crescent Mills, CA and spent many summers with her dad in Tacoma, WA after her parent's divorce. Nadiene graduated from Greenville High in June 1950, attended Cosmetology school in Oakland and after passing her state boards exam in August 1951, decided against opening a Beauty Shop in Greenville and enrolled at Chico State College. Through the loving ministry of her roommate Sally and others, Nadiene responded to the irresistible grace of her Savior, Jesus Christ. God had more than academic preparation for Nadiene at Chico State as she not only received her degree in Education in 1955; she also met the love of her life Edward Petersen from Cottonwood, CA. During her first teaching job on the Indian Reservation in Covelo, CA, the romance with Edward continued and they married in Cottonwood, CA on June 16, 1956. Nadiene began teaching at Meadow Lane Elementary in Anderson and Edward was drafted into the Army to serve in the Korean War. Edward was stationed in Detroit and Nadiene joined him. As they returned to Cottonwood, Nadiene returned to teach at Meadow Lane and later West Cottonwood, and Edward returned to his teaching position at his alma mater, Anderson High School and eventually Shasta College. As their family grew with the addition of three girls, Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Sarah, so did their connections and involvement's in the community. Nadiene and Edward were instrumental in starting Anderson-Cottonwood Neighborhood Church. Their home in Cottonwood became the center for Bible study, ministry, community outreach, and discipleship.

Nadiene was preceded in death by her beloved husband Edward (they are now hugging in heaven), she is missed dearly by her daughter Rebecca (Wion) with husband Doug and children Matthew, Nathaniel, Rebecca, Timothy, and Elizabeth; and daughter Elizabeth (Boyle) with husband Mark and children Heather, Grace, and Hannah; and daughter Sarah (Fitch) with husband Chris and children Rachel, Jonathan, and Bethany. Her family also includes her brother, who preceded her in death, Jimmy North and his wife Kay and children Chad and Lance, and her brother Harley North and Ann and their children, Tristan and Jill.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, July 31st, at 10 a.m. at West Cottonwood Gym.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to

Cottonwood Community Church Mission's Fund, PO Box 1860, Cottonwood, CA, 96022.