Elsa Peterson, 93

Elsa Peterson, 93, passed away peacefully at Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Thursday evening, March 3, 2016, after a short illness.

Elsa Alta Peterson was born on Nov. 23, 1922, in Boston, Mass., to T. Edwin and Clara Peterson. She was raised and lived for much of her life in Newton, Mass., until moving to Coeur d’Alene in 1989, to live near her sister and brother-in-law and their family.

Elsa received a degree from Simmons College School of Nursing in Boston in the early 1940s. A lifelong nurse, she worked for more than 20 years as the head nurse in charge of the Premature Nursery at Boston Lying-In Hospital, which is now part of Brigham and Women’s Hospital. After retiring from that position, Elsa started her own business of Infant Care in her home, which continued for the next 22 years. Her interest in and love for babies continued for her whole life.

Elsa always had a great love for early classical music, especially organ and choral music. One of her prized possessions was a home organ, and she took a lot of enjoyment in playing her beloved music. A member (for 80 years!) of The Second Church in Newton, U.C.C., in West Newton, Mass., she greatly enjoyed her time singing in the choir, and retained her church membership even after moving out West.

Elsa was also actively associated with the Star Island United Church of Christ for 40 years, mostly as an officer helping run the summer conferences. A longtime Shoaler, her summer vacations to Star Island were special, and she was often found in a front porch rocking chair, enjoying the view over Gosport Harbor, or sitting on the rocks on the back of the island, enjoying the surf.

Elsa’s hobbies were wide and varied. She was an avid gardener her entire life, and loved watching the birds in her garden. She enjoyed travel, and a trip to England in 1953 to view Queen Elizabeth’s coronation was a highlight. Sailing trips along the New England coast with friends, and in later years, trips to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, were favorites. Elsa always enjoyed all types of needlework, she was known for her smocked baby dresses and embroidery. In later years, a love of cross-stitch occupied her hours, with many lovely works of art produced, many with bird and flower themes.

Elsa never married. She had a great love of family, and always knew the right thing to do, to make everyone feel special. She had a wide circle of friends, which grew even larger when she moved to Coeur d’Alene. She stayed in touch with many of her friends from back East, even after her move, and loved hearing everyone’s latest news, from letters, cards and phone calls.

Elsa is survived by her son, Joseph Peterson of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, her nephew and his family, Peter, Maryl, Pierce and Claire Anderson, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, her niece and her family, Nancy and John Ryder of Austin, Texas, and grand-nephew and his family, Colin, Eleanor, Noah and Emma Ryder of San Antonio, Texas, and many wonderful friends.

A memorial service in celebration of Elsa’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 14, 2016, at Real Life Ministries, 1866 N. Cecil Road, Post Falls, Idaho.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Music Department of The Second Church in Newton, West Newton, Mass., and to the Scholarship Fund of Star Island U.C.C., c/o The Star Island Corporation, 30 Middle St., Portsmouth, NH 03801.

Please visit Elsa’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.