Obituary of Harriett A. Peterson

Harriett A. Peterson of Cambridge, went to be with her Lord on March 19, 2015 at the age of 93. Harriett was born in Flint, Michigan on December 11, 1921, but at an early age her family moved to Reading, MA, where she spent her childhood. She graduated from Reading HS in 1941 and shortly thereafter moved to Washington, DC to work. It is there she met her husband to be, Wendel Peterson, who was serving in the Army. In 1943, Wendel was shipped out to the Philippines and Harriett moved to Harris, MN where her new in-laws lived. When Wendel returned from the war, they settled in Cambridge and began raising a family. In 1949, with three small children and a fourth on the way, Harriett became victim of the polio epidemic-a life changing event. With great tenacity, she recovered and learned to live a full life with her handicap. In 1977, she lost both her husband, Wendel, and her son, Evan. Allen, Evan’s twin, passed away in 1995. In spite of her adversities, Harriett remained a positive individual and an inspiration to many. Her family grew to five children, 7 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. She was a life-long member of the Cambridge Baptist Church. Her artistic expression in her landscape oil paintings, sewing and handcrafted knitting, crocheting, and hardanger embroidery will be remembered by family and friends forever. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Wendel Sr.; sons Evan and Allen; brother Lawrence, sister Priscilla Marcaux, and sister-in-law Dorothy “Dottie” Parker. Harriett is survived by her children Wendel Jr (Marilyn), Linda Peterson (Al DeRuyter) and Boyd (Diane), grandchildren Greg Peterson, Kim (Bob) Taylor, Troy (Joanne) Peterson, Wade (Dianne) Peterson, Rachel (Jonas) Capistrant, Katie (Gary) Nelson, Anna (Gray) Zauner, and 11 Great-grandchildren. In lieu of memorials or flowers, please plant a tree or perennial in remembrance of Harriet.