Cynthia Gail Petersen passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 26, 2020, in her home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

A life-long resident of the Eel River Valley, Cynthia graduated from Fortuna Union High School in 1965, attended the Eureka Business College and married her high school sweetheart, Chris Petersen in July 1968. Together they had three children and owned a family dairy in Loleta, California. She was a member of the Loleta School Board and was part of the group that started a girl’s softball league in Fortuna.

Cynthia worked for the County of Humboldt in both the Probation Department and the Auditor/Controller’s Office for almost 25 years before her retirement in September, 2012. She was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Fortuna. She was also a Past Matron of the Ferndale Chapter #23, Order of the Eastern Star, for which she was a 47 year member.

Cynthia loved to travel, host parties and spend time with her family. Some of her favorite trips were to Denmark to visit family. She was very artistic and enjoyed drawing and working on different craft projects.

Cynthia is preceded in death by her parents, Harold Colt (Cohen) and Bethel Curtis Kibler, and her beloved brother Bruce Cohen.

She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years David “Chris” Petersen, Children Robin Coon (Don), Christian Petersen (Dannielle), and Johanna Helzer (Andy). Grandchildren JD and Jason Coon; Abbi (Justin), Isabelle, David and Maddie Petersen and step-grandson Devin Helzer.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church at 2132 Smith Lane in Fortuna on Saturday June 26, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Cynthia to the Loleta Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 766 Loleta, CA. 95551, or the VFW in Fortuna 2420 Acacia Fortuna, CA. 95540.

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