Obituary of Karen Jean Peterson
Age 76, of Flushing, formerly of Traverse City, died peacefully, with her family by her side on Friday, August 16, 2019, at McLaren Flint. Per Karen’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Graveside Service will take place at 11:00 am Friday, August 23, 2019, at Sunset Hills Cemetery. The family will gather at the Sunset Hills Cemetery at 10:45 am. Pastor Kevin Dixon will officiate. Memorial donations may be directed to the Genesee County Humane Society.
Karen was born in Flint, Michigan, on March 30, 1943, the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Edward and Ellen Marie VanConett. Raised in Flint, Karen attended Flint Community Schools, graduating with distinction from Flint Central High School in 1961. She would continue her education at Flint Junior College and graduate from their School of Nursing. She was employed by McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint as an R.N. in the emergency department for 30 years. During this time, she took the newly developed paramedic training course and she was certified by the Emergency Department Nurses Association. Karen completed her nursing career as a telephone triage nurse with McLaren Ask-a-Nurse for 5 additional years, before retiring. She was an original member of the Harvard Medical School Nurse’s Health Study for 40 years. After retirement, Karen moved to Traverse City for 13 years, before returning to Genesee County. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, volunteering, reading, traveling, decorating, shopping, especially on QVC, and spoiling her grandsons and her many beloved pets.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons: Andrew and wife, Elizabeth Peterson, and Daniel and wife, Kathleen Peterson; three grandsons: Patrick, Jacob and Joseph; sister; Sandra and husband, Sam Paraschos; nephews: Tony and wife, Jenifer Paraschos and Tim and wife, April Paraschos; and many special friends throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her many beloved dogs and cats.