Hjordis Peterson Obituary

Hjordis Peterson, age 102, died April 14, 2005, in Sun City, AZ. Born on November 29, 1902 in Skedsmo, Norway, to Hilmar Jorgensen Strom and Tonette Mathias (Glendrange), she trained in Oslo, Norway as an R.N. and immigrated by boat to the U.S. in 1927. She worked as a "beloved" nurse for over 65 years. She touched the lives of her family and many others with her kindness and selflessness and will be remembered with her Fjord blue eyes, pretty smile and deep Christian FAITH. She received spiritual enrichment and fellowship through worship (oldest member and charter member) at American Lutheran Church of Sun City and found comfort and encouragement in studying and reading her Bible daily. She is survived by her daughters, Ruth Marie Faber (Dr. Wayne) of LeMars, IA, and Connie Carey of Sun City, AZ; son, Ed Peterson of Estes Park; 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to service on Thursday, April 21, 2005 at American Lutheran Church, 17200 Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City, AZ and interment at Sunwest Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to American Lutheran Church, 17200 Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City, Arizona 85373, Sunshine Acres Children's Home, 3405 N. Higley Road, Mesa, Arizona 85215 or Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Apr. 20, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Hjordis Peterson

6 Entries

No special occasion... Just a day to celebrate YOU!

Soni Grafton

May 2, 2005

You lived life to the full - to the end...

A special day with a special lady

Soni, Jeff, Taylor & Kendall Grafton

May 2, 2005

Dear Grandma,
How you will be missed by all of us! What a gift it has been to have you with us long enough for your great grandchildren to get to know you and for us to enjoy your company for an extended time. That was a gift and we loved having the special times with you in recent years. I will always have fond memories of you growing up -- enjoying gardening in your back yard at the old house... taking us to pick fruit at the neighbors... cooking and baking your famous Norweigian delights - (my favorite always being the doll angel food cakes you would send on birthdays as a young girl!). I can see you and grandpa still having your devotions every day; faithfully praying for us. You always thought of us and took the time to bless us with cards and gifts - always thoughtful and giving. You have led quite a life and left a lasting legacy of faith. We're so happy that you are now in the arms of Jesus, free from your earthly shell, and with those you have loved and missed for a long time. We have the hope of seeing you again which makes the sorrow of having to say goodbye for now a joyous and peace-filled occasion. We look forward to seeing you and grandpa soon and spending eternity catching up and enjoying your company and heavenly cooking! We love you so very much,

Chris Deering

April 23, 2005

How lucky I was to be able to have met Mormor. I will never forget her smile especially when she met "Cheeka". She will be missed but she will always be in our hearts.

Bob & Suzanne Louden

April 22, 2005

Dear Family of Hjordis Peterson,Carring we share in your sorrow.With Love.God Bless.

Bob & Suzanne Louden

Ruth Marie and Connie Peterson

April 20, 2005

April 19, 2005

Dearest Mom,

It doesn't seem possible that you are gone. Our hearts ache for you, but we know you are safe in Heaven with Jesus! You were a committed ‘prayer warrior’ right up to the end. Now you are walking beside Him. What an awesome sight it must be!

We miss your sweet smile and tender words. What a privilege it is to be your children. We thank God for choosing you to be our Mother!

Our lives have been BLESSED & ENRICHED beyond measure. We will always treasure the last words you spoke to us, as we helped you into bed. "Thank you, my precious ones. I am so satisfied. You have done more for me than I could have ever hoped for. May God Bless You, forevermore! I love you!"

We are Eternally grateful to you for allowing us to act in OBEDIENCE to the 4th Commandment, “Honor thy father and thy mother that the days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” We could not do it alone, so we fervently asked for help. God was always FAITHFUL and sent His angels (like Dr. Donaldson, Nurse Cathy, & countless others), to help us on many occasions. We have received far more than we could have ever given, and we feel a sense and assurance of PEACE & JOY in our hearts that can never be taken away. What a Spiritual Legacy you have gifted us.

Mom, while you were here on earth, you were a living example of FAITH, HOPE & LOVE. You chose to take the "high road" through God's wisdom, courage and strength. Your kindness and sacrifices will never be forgotten. When your vision was dimmed, your selflessness shone most brightly and you stood your tallest with grace and humility.

We still see your sweet smile, your fjord blue eyes, a youthful body and flawless, wrinkle free skin. When we pass by your chair, we can still hear your encouraging words of praise, even during those most trying times.... "Thank You", "Please", "I'm Sorry", "God Bless You", "I Love You" and "I'm Praying for You”.

We missed you this morning, as we read our devotions together. You always thanked God for the new day and for the many blessings He showered upon us. We thanked God for putting you on loan to us for those 37,392 days…and that one last heart beat.

Oh, how we miss you and Dad. Have you seen him yet? We know that there is great rejoicing in heaven, and that the angels and all of the heavenly hosts are eating lutefisk and lefse together with you!

We will hold all those sweet memories in our hearts forever.

We'll talk with you again, soon!

In His Love,

Your Family