Gertrude Petersen

Gertrude E. Petersen, 89, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at her home in Savannah, Georgia. 

She was born in Erie, Pennsylvania,  the daughter of the late Alfred E. Schmidt and Margarete Schwanke Schmidt. Gertrude graduated from Strong Vincent High School in Erie. It was during her high school years she met John Petersen, the love of her life and husband of 64 years. The couple lived the early years of their marriage in Fairfield, Connecticut, but returned to Erie after 10 years. The couple moved to Florida following John’s retirement, but returned to their beloved Erie to spend summers with friends and family. Gert was a devoted wife and mother and an active community volunteer.  She was most supportive of her children’s school and extracurricular activities and took both volunteer and leadership roles in the Girl Scouting and Boy Scouting programs. Gert regularly volunteered at the polls on Election Day and was a member of the Hamot Aide Society and the Thiel Women’s Club. She greatly enjoyed the arts, both visual and performing, and was an artist in her own right as a painter, crafter and woodworker. Always one to have a book close at hand, she was an avid reader even when her vision began to fail and supported the Erie Library through its growth. She enjoyed the companionship of her furry friends Penny, Brandy and Elke and extended a hand to those seeking to provide relief to animals in trouble. A lifelong Lutheran, she was a member of Luther Memorial Church. She may be best remembered for her philanthropy providing support for a number of nonprofit agencies in the greater Erie area and scholarships for those in need, especially students from her alma mater, Strong Vincent.

In Addition to her parents, Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, John M. Petersen, and her sister Ursula Schmidt Brozell.

She is survived by two daughters: Joan Chalikian and her husband David, and Patricia Rickloff; a son John C. Petersen; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26^th St. on Friday, January 12^th from 3 to 5pm. and on Saturday from 10am until the time of service at 11am. at the Luther Memorial Church, 225 West 10^th St. Erie, with Rev. William Coleman officiating.

Burial to follow in Erie Cemetery. Memorials may be made to charity of one’s choice.