memorial

Anna Marie Peterson

Sept. 22, 1943 - Oct. 1, 2024

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Anna Marie (Geerken) Peterson passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, coincidentally her mother's birthday. Born on September 22, 1943, in Baltimore, Maryland, Anna Marie was the cherished only child of German immigrants Gerhard and Margaret Geerken. From an early age, Anna Marie exhibited an adventurous spirit. She would dash out of the house at dawn and return home at dusk with skinned knees and a radiant smile. In addition to all the neighborhood children, her companions often included cats, dogs, and even the occasional snake. This zest for adventure, her love of animals, and her resilience were constants throughout her life. Anna Marie attended Mount de Sales High School for girls in Catonsville, Maryland, and later became a Registered Nurse. It was during a camping trip with RN friends on Assateague Island, where she intended to admire the wild horses, that she met Ken Peterson, her future husband. Despite Ken not sharing her equine enthusiasm, a lifelong partnership blossomed. Marrying Ken in 1967, Anna Marie joined him in the Chicago area, maintaining connections with friends from the East Coast while forging new relationships in Chicago. This ability to form lasting friendships was a hallmark of her life, even as the family relocated to Sylvania, Ohio, then Houston, Texas, and ultimately Albuquerque, New Mexico. Together, Anna Marie, Ken, and kids Erik and Kristen explored nearly all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico, often camping. The entire family’s driving and traveling adventures led to countless memorable stories. Anna Marie’s travels extended far beyond local adventures; she visited over 26 countries, making friends along the way. Her loved ones fondly remember her as Mamacita, Äiti, Oma, and Omacita—a cherished presence in their lives. Anna Marie spent the final years of her life in Happy Valley, Oregon. Though she was not particularly fond of the weather, she greatly valued the new family, friends, and cherished caregivers (most especially Abi Ramirez) she bonded with during her time living near her daughter and contending with Parkinson’s Disease. She is survived by her son Erik Peterson, daughter Kristen (Lloyd) Cushman, and grandchildren Jabari Rahmings-Noel, Karsten Peterson, Hayley Cushman, and Megan (Connor) Eden. She also leaves behind a menagerie of grand and great-grand-pets, including kitties Tedward, Lucky, and Bobbi; and pups Aero, Archie, Laika, and Shay. Additionally, Anna Marie, affectionately known as “Äiti” (mom), leaves behind her beloved Finnish exchange student “daughter,” Anna (Ricke) Bergström, and grandchildren Elliott and Cilla. Anna Marie’s legacy of enduring friendship, trust in God, adventurous stories, generous spirit, artistic style, mischievous humor, deep love of nature, and persistent resilience will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Anna Marie requested that there be no memorial service in her honor. Her remains will be scattered in the Olympic Mountains and interred with her husband Ken in the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Donations in her honor may be made to: 1. Doctors Without Borders 2. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary 3. Albuquerque Art Museum

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