Noreene E. Peterson

Noreene E Peterson, 92, died Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Willowbrook Place in Lakewood, CO. She leaves her son, Trent with wife Brenda and their daughters Monica and her partner Anne and Kayla; daughter, Kristi Peterson and her step daughters, Amy and Melissa and their 8 children; and daughter, Sheryl Wilson and her sons Dominic Wilson, companion Natalie and great grandson Brayden; Zachary Wilson and companion Christina. Noreene was born at St Joseph’s Hospital in Denver CO to Ellen and Al Hartman on May 2, 1925. Throughout her life she remained close to her siblings; James Hartman and his wife Pat; Barb Etchison and her husband Bill. After Bill’s passing Barb’s companion Joe. During Noreene’s early years the family lived in many places throughout Colorado including Breckenridge and Boulder. The family settled later in Denver where Noreene graduated from East High School in 1943. Noreene worked at Dude Ranch during the summer and during WWII she worked at Continental airlines in the modification plant fixing war planes. She attended CU where she got a BA in Education and Science on 6/9/51. She stayed in the German House and maintained lifelong friendships. She was offered a probationary job with Denver Public Schools in January 51. Noreene was introduced to Elmer Peterson by her cousin Carletta and husband Buck. Noreene and Elmer married May 1, 1955, 1 day before her 30th birthday. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage until Elmer’s death. Noreene stopped teaching to have and raise a family. In Sept 1960, Noreene returned to teaching as a substitute through 1964. She returned to full time teaching Sept 1965 until she retired from Kunsmiller Jr High School. Noreene loved teaching math and tutored anyone who needed assistance. She was always trying to figure out new ways to make learning easier and more fun and was always willing to help kids who didn’t have supplies. Her love of continuing education, fostered her embracing new technologies; buying the latest calculators and being the first in the family to purchase a computer. She supported extra curricula activities such as chaperoning after school events such as the bowling club, school plays and dances. She supported the Denver Teacher’s Association and National Education Association. It was important to always support fundraising events by neighborhood children. Noreene loved to solve puzzles and play games. Cards and a cribbage board were kept on the kitchen table ready for any challenger. She was supportive of her family’s activities helping with the Mile Hi band, being a girl scout leader, and being part of the printer’s auxiliary. She was a caregiver for her aging parents and aunts. She enjoyed going to and hosting parties. The basement was finished to support a study/work area for each family member while also supporting party/family events. She loved to travel. In addition, to taking the family on road trips there were vacations to Disneyland, Expo 67, and a summer in San Jose where Noreene went to school to enhance her teaching skills. After retirement, Noreene and Elmer took many trips including cruises to the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Hawaii and Alaska. They enjoyed many of these trips with their siblings. Noreene couldn’t wait to be a grandmother. The highlight of her life was her grandchildren. She was always willing to put her activities aside to help watch the kids or take care of them when they were sick. Trips to the White Fence Farm was a must. In her final year, she was very excited about the birth of great grandson, Brayden. A viewing will be held on Sunday, July 23 from 2:00 PM to 4:00PM at Horan & McConaty, 3101 W Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood CO 80227. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 24 at 10:30AM at Horan & McConaty, 3101 W Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227, with interment at Ft Logan at noon, followed by a reception at Horan & McConaty. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome at Denver Teacher’s Club Assistance Foundation or the charity of your choice.