Toya was born on April 11,1943 in Guadalajara, Mexico. After a sudden and brief illness she passed away peacefully on Aug. 22, 2017, surrounded by family at St. Joseph Hospital.

Toya and her family moved to Humboldt County in December 1975. She worked hard at raising her family, as family was the most important aspect of her life.  She attended Catholic school in Culiacan, Mexico. She worked hard with the nuns and cherished the many lessons she learned. She loved cooking, gardening, knitting, novelas, shopping at Tail Waggers and, later in life, penny slot machines.

She was the family matriarch. She loved the many road trips with family members and visits to Mexico to take numerous boxes of clothing and supplies to family. Toya was loved and respected by all who knew her. She was an avid astrology follower. She had a generous nature, a great sense of humor and will be missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her father, Primitivo Arellano, her mother, Bruna Godinez Arellano, her youngest son, Jorge Akeem Batiste Arellano, and her first husband, James “Wesley” Petersen.

Toya is survived by her soulmate and constant companion, George Batiste; Jaime, Henry and wife Arely, and Charles; daughters Jessie, Eva “Marie”  and her  husband Jose, and Toyita; grandchildren Lisa, Forrest Jr., Amber, Crystal, Jose, Diego, Anthony, Isabel, Jade and Jasmine; great-grandchildren Illyanna, Cruz, Judah, Ezra, Daniel, King, Ki-Kya and two yet to be born; her siblings, sisters Christina,  Eva, Francisca “Pachi”and Trinidad “Trini” and brothers Jose and Darrio; and too many nieces, nephews, cousins, in laws and friends to mention.

Flowers and memorials may be sent to Sanders Funeral Home.

Services are scheduled for Monday Aug. 28, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Sanders Funeral Home Chapel.

The family would  like to express their gratitude to all the staff at St. Joseph Hospital and California Pacific Medical Center for the wonderful and dignified care to our loved one.

“Peace and Love”

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The obituary above was submitted by Toya Petersen’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.