Elizabeth Petersen

Elizabeth "Liz" Jane Petersen, 75, of Gurnee passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at home with her family by her side. She was born May 18, 1936 in Kirksville, Missouri to the late Theodore and Thelma (Harrison) Lacey. Survived by her husband, friend and companion of 53 years, Walter Petersen of Gurnee; four children, Matt (Amy) Petersen of St. Paul, MN, Michael Petersen of New York City, Lisa Fitzgerald of Gurnee and Chris Petersen of Gurnee; and four grandchildren, Emma Petersen, Henry Petersen, Sean Fitzgerald and Connor Fitzgerald. Liz graduated from Parkersburg High School, Parkersburg, West Virginia in 1954 and went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois in 1958. After college, she became a full time wife and mom, raising four kids, and moving to a new city and State with each child, finally settling in Gurnee, Illinois in 1969. Liz subsequently worked for over 20 years as the head librarian at Spaulding Grade School in Gurnee. Later, after retirement, she worked part time at the College of Lake County book store. She was a long time member of the Gurnee Community Church where she also served as the church librarian for many years. She was an avid Bears, Cubs and Bulls fan, loved to watch movies, travel, enjoyed camping at Happy Acres in Bristol, WI, but mostly enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren whenever she had a chance. Visitation, Saturday, March 10, 2012, 10:00am-11:00am at Gurnee Community Church 4555 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee. Memorial services, Saturday, 11:00am at church. Private family interment. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Spaulding School Library, 2000 Bell Plaine, Gurnee, IL 60031 or Midwest Palliative & Hospice Care Center, 2050 Claire Ct., Glenview, IL 60025 in her name.