Maureen Lisa Petersen

1960 - 2024

Sandy, Utah - Maureen Lisa (Smith) Petersen, 64, passed away June 29, 2024, in Sandy, Utah. Born April 1, 1960, in New London, she was the loving and energetic wife of the late Gary Petersen of White Plains, N.Y., and daughter to Robert and Mary Zita Smith of New London. Maureen was known for her outgoing personality, ever-present smile, readiness to lend a hand and love of a funny story.

Maureen embarked on her educational journey at St. Joseph's Catholic School and graduated from Saint Bernard High School in Uncasville. She furthered her education at Thames Valley Technical College, earning an Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Her career was as diverse as her interests, beginning at Burrs Marina in New London, which she always remembered with a laugh. After graduating from college, she worked as a technician at United Nuclear in Montville, before moving to West Hills, Calif., where she met her future husband Gary, and continued expanding her diverse background with jobs at Home Depot and the U.S. Postal Service. Maureen and Gary were known for their fun-loving hospitality in West Hills, and their door was always open to travelers and guests including a young Marine and his buddies.

Maureen and Gary relocated to Sandy, Utah, where she worked several jobs in the ski industry, including a favorite of hers, as a Ski Ambassador at Park City Ski Resort, and as usual, hosting many traveling skiers. Additionally, Maureen volunteered regularly for many years at World Cup ski races at both Park City and Deer Valley Ski Resorts, which were a source of pride and great joy for her.

Maureen was an avid skier, known for packing a sandwich in her pocket so she could stay on the mountain without breaking, and logging over 30 days of skiing one year. Her love for sailing began with racing Weenip #3 at the Thames Yacht Club, and she always enjoyed a sail when visiting back East, as well as houseboating on the rivers out West. Maureen and Gary added RVing later in life, which allowed her to share her stories and laughter with more people and enjoy the outdoors. In addition to her nephews and nieces, who remember her crazy hugs, three of her great loves were her "fur babies," her dogs, Cheyenne, Butthead and Sandy, who made her laugh and introduced her to many new neighbors.

Maureen is survived by her mother, Mary Zita Smith; siblings, Nancy, Robert, Susan (Pat), David (Giselle), Steven (Karen), and Carolyn (Hubba); and a loving extended family of nieces and nephews including, Nanette, Sofie, Jill (Dan), Paytin, Kaylee, Logan, Gabrielle, Sierra, Christina, Leilani, Kiely, Emily, Raymond, Casey, and Nora. She was preceded in death by her husband Gary Petersen; father Robert Smith; and nephew Hayden Keating.

Maureen will be remembered for her spirit of adventure, generous heart, quick smile, nonstop stories and ability to perform an Irish jig without notice.

A service to celebrate Maureen's life will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 24, at St. Joseph's Church in New London. The arrangements are under the care of Thomas Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, New London.