Gloria D. Petersen
Our loving and beloved Gloria D. Petersen, age 96, departed from this life for her heavenly home on Tuesday February 6, 2024. A native Californian, Gloria was born to Samuel and Adela Davila on July 18, 1927. She was the eldest of three sisters, survived by Elvira Davis and preceded in death by Barbara Nolette. Gloria spent her life in Santa Barbara, attending local schools and church, working, marrying and raising a family. She is survived by her devoted husband and true-love, Arthur Max Petersen, adoring children Arthur Robert “Bob,” Martha Linda, Sonia Marie, and Samuel Michael (Sandra), grandchildren Sonia Avila, Robert Petersen, Raquel Castellanos, Frances, Madeline, and Josephine Petersen, great-grandchildren Miranda Avila, Kelii (Lizzie) Avila, and Dominic Petersen, and great-great-grandchildren Nathaniel, Elias, and Jesse Avila. Gloria also had many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Our mother had a very full life and it was a life well lived. She married her sweetheart, Art, whom she met as a teenager, and celebrated their 76th anniversary on December 27, 2023. She enjoyed homemaking activities, such as cooking, sewing, decorating, and gardening. She retired from General Telephone Company after working as an operator for 30 years. Gloria and Art spent many summer vacations with their children at the Santa Barbara beaches, camping in Yosemite, backyard pool barbecues, and going to amusement parks. In retirement, Gloria and Art traveled to many states across the U.S. and several countries in Europe, attending many WWII military reunions and memorial events.
Gloria had a great love for music and art and possessed her own musical and artistic talents. She enjoyed playing the piano throughout her lifetime and was still playing in her final years. Several oil paintings and ceramic works are displayed throughout her home, and she had fun designing and making jewelry to give as gifts. She was always interested in learning and took classes at SBCC, Adult Ed, and the YMCA. From psychology, to French, to Yoga and Tai-Chi, square dancing, and being on a bowling team, Gloria stayed active.
Gloria was also devoted to prayer and love for the Lord Jesus. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and faithfully prayed the Rosary every night for decades in her quiet chair. If she missed a day, due to illness, she would pray two Rosaries the following day. The Sacred Heart was her guiding light. Gloria was caring and compassionate, supporting many charities, and especially giving to those who are less fortunate.
In April of 2020, Gloria received the heartbreaking diagnosis of ovarian cancer. With the support and prayers of her family and friends, and her own personal strength, she bravely endured chemotherapy treatments and surgery at the age of 93. Her battle would continue for four years. While she had periods of feeling good, walking outdoors, exercising, enjoying birthdays and holidays, she also had periods of the heavy and painful burden from the recurrence of cancer and the need to repeat chemotherapy treatments. She did not want to give up the fight. Prayer kept her strong until her body could no longer hold on.
Gloria, at the age of 96 was still so young in heart and full of wisdom. She was a strong and courageous woman but also witty, and never lost her great sense of humor. She was truly our rock, our queen. We will miss you and love you forever and ever. God bless you and may you rest in peace with all your loved ones.
Funeral services were held on Friday, February 16, 2024, attended by family and friends.
Our family wishes to extend our thanks and gratitude to the many doctors and nurses who treated our beautiful mother, Gloria, at UCLA Health, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, Sansum Clinic, Cottage Hospital, and the VNA.