Esther Thorsen Peterson passed away peacefully at age 91 on August 16, 2011 at Covenant Village Care Center in Turlock, CA. She was born in 1920 to Andy and Bertha N. Thorsen and was a native of Turlock. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Rodney and Andy Jr. and sisters, Ruth Thorsen Tilden and Naomi Thorsen.
During her youth, Esther worked as a bookkeeper at Thorsen's Plumbing, the family business founded by her father in 1911. She graduated from Turlock High School in 1938 and Seattle Pacific College in 1942 with a degree in Business Administration.
She retired from Turlock High School after a career of 26 years teaching high school business subjects, counseling and acting as Dean of Girls. She previously taught business subjects at Pittsburg High School, CA and Campbell High School, CA, and was the College Registrar at Los Angeles Pacific College and High School.
She was an active member of the Crossroads Evangelical Free Church and loved the Lord deeply. She loved to travel and spoke often of her adventures to the South Pacific, Philippines, Scandinavian countries, Israel and throughout the United States.
Esther is survived by her husband, Milton Peterson of Turlock; son and daughter-in-law Pete and Danette Peterson of Turlock; grandchildren Megan and Kyle Peterson of Seattle, WA. She is also survived by her sister in-law, Audrey Thorsen of Turlock, several nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews and many friends, all of whom she loved dearly. Esther leaves a legacy of affectionate memories.
Viewing was held Friday, August 19, 2011 at Allen Mortuary.
Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, August 20, 2011 at Covenant Village Berg
Hall at 1:00 p.m. Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com.

Turlock Journal
Wednesday, August 24, 2011