Judith Kirby Petersen

Judith Kirby Petersen (age 80), born October 4, 1943, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 25, 2024, after a courageous 19-year journey on the Alzheimer's trail of tears. Her unwavering strength and resilience in the face of this relentless disease are a testament to her character. She spent her last five and a half years living in a Memory Care facility, and in her final hours she was surrounded by her loving family.
A memorial service to honor Judi's life will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 3:30 pm at Village Church, 330 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton, Oregon. The service will include a time for guests to share memories of Judi. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's. You can find Don's walk page at this LINK (or by using the link in the Memorial Contribution below).
Judi will be remembered for her love of family, bright smile, and faith. Judi played many roles throughout her life: from wife and mother to church secretary and scout leader. She also enjoyed genealogy, camping, skiing, and short-term mission trips. Judi took up quilting after the kids were grown and shared her quilts with many in the family. Spending time with family was important to Judi. After Don retired, they spent five years crisscrossing the USA in a motorhome. Over the years, they drove across the USA 19 times, and their two children and six of their eight grandchildren have memories of long trips with them. Judi's favorite trips included following the Oregon Trail twice and the Lewis and Clark route twice. Judi treasured these trips and being able to spend extended time with their grandchildren in Oregon and Pennsylvania. Judi loved to sing, and over the years, she sang with Church choirs, the Hillsboro Senior Serenaders, and the Alzheimer's Association Sing Here Now choir. We expect she has already found a place as a new member of the Heavenly Choir. She was also known for her delicious coconut balls, a treat she often made at Christmas to share with friends and family.
Judi's legacy lives on through her loving family. She is survived by her devoted husband of almost 59 years, Donald W. Petersen Jr., two children, Gail Bryan and her husband Shane and Kyle Petersen and his wife Angel, and eight grandchildren. Her passing leaves a void in our lives that can never be filled. Her memory is cherished by all who knew her. Judi was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Winnefred Kirby, her sister, Joanne Shirley Carr, and her brother, Robert Joseph Kirby.
The family is deeply grateful to the caregivers at Cedar Crest Alzheimer's Special Care Center. Their unwavering dedication, professional care, and love provided comfort and support during Judi's battle with Alzheimer's. Their role in Judi's life was invaluable, and we will forever be indebted to them for their compassionate care.