Helen M. Peterson, 97 passed away Friday afternoon, March 27, 2015 at the Sheboygan Progressive Care Center. Helen was born on November 29, 1917 in Holland, MI, to Minnie and Helmer Peterson. Both parents were born in Sheboygan. Her father earned his living working in the Lake Michigan shipping industry; her mother was an excellent seamstress. Helen lived and worked in Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, Michigan, but spent most of the past 50 years in Sheboygan. Following her fathers death, Helen and her mother traveled around the world. She was employed for many years as a bookkeeper for the Sheboygan Area School District for many years and also worked with Sheboygan auto dealers as an accountant. She was known to maintain excellent records for her employers and was highly respected by dealerships in Sheboygan. Her excellent work resulted in the offer of a dealership. However, Helen continued to work as an accountant until her retirement in the 1980's. Helen is the lone survivor of her family. Close friends in Michigan have related wonderful memories of deep friendship with her. Helen spoke lovingly of her dear friend, Jo Rocca, another well known Sheboygan resident, who died in 1993. Helen has lived quietly in retirement, first at Fox Croft, and for the past six years at St. Nicholas Apartments. She was highly intelligent, lively, and enjoyed interacting with residents and friends. She shared her stories of places she had visited on her travels, of her work experiences, and of lessons learned in life. Her accountant mind never stopped trying to "figure out" puzzles and problems of daily living. Mary Watters, manager of St. Nicholas Apartments, went beyond the call of duty to assist Helen as gradually failing memory made it difficult for Helen to keep up with the tasks she had always done effortlessly. Helen had loved eating out with friends. After she ceased driving, her outings were more restricted. In the last few years of her life, Genevieve Beenen, another resident at St. Nicholas Apartments, and Shirley Ward of Sheboygan became friends with Helen, looking out for her needs and keeping her company. Shirley initially came to help her once a week with cleaning and shopping. But their time together expanded as the two formed a loving bond and their outings became social events that included visits to places Helen loved, shared Christmases with Shirley's family, even visits to the cemetery, and, of course, eating out. Genevieve was always on call to help when her television remotes didn't "work" and her telephone that didn't "ring correctly." Just as recently as last Thanksgiving weekend, Helen helped put up the decorations in the third floor hall. At St. Nicholas Apartments, Helen made many friends. Every day she chatted with her neighbors, offered advice to younger residents, and joined in Bingo (which she often won) and in community gatherings. She enjoyed having breakfast with Jeannette Dawson and "dropping in" at Cathy Hamilton's apartment for a chat. Helen will be remembered for her keen wit and her friendly manner. She will be honored for her determination to live independently and to handle life's adversities with dignity. She will truly be missed. Funeral services for Helen will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at the Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1132 Superior Avenue. The Rev. Todd Smith, pastor of First United Lutheran Church, will officiate. Family and friends are welcome at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will take place in Wildwood Cemetery. Many thanks to Sheboygan Progressive Care and the kind nursing staff who did all they could to make her last days comfortable.
