Pedersen, Helen Emma 99, of Tequesta, Florida went peacefully to be with God on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. She was preceded in death by her dear husband and partner, Rev. Dr. Ruben Pedersen; parents George and Hattie Koester of Forest Lake, MN; daughter Miriam Pedersen; sisters Irene, Margie and brother George (Sonny). She is survived by two daughters, Marlyce Pedersen (John Rich) of Tequesta, Florida, and Linnea Connors (Lowell Niles) of Malone, New York; two granddaughters, Meghann (Kris Olds) and Courtney (Josh Duran); and three great-grandsons, Aeden, Zackery and Nicholas Olds, all of Tampa, Florida; and many nieces and nephews and extended family, including Pat (Larry Hoffbauer) of Sunman, Indiana. She was born in New Ulm Minnesota, becoming a nurse anesthetist and serving as a Lieutenant in the Army stationed in France during WWII. After returning she felt called to the mission field and was sent by the Lutheran Church to Tanzania, East Africa, to serve as the nurse in charge of a leprosy colony for 400 patients. She served in Tanzania from the late 40's to the early 60's, acquiring a family of three girls when she married Ruben, a widowed missionary pastor. She was his support and help-mate during his years of service, including church posts in Switzerland with the Lutheran World Federation and in New York City with the Board of World Missions. Upon his retirement from mission work they took on pastorship of a parish in Nescopeck, Pennsylvania for 8 years before retiring to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Following the passing of her husband on April 26, 2012, she moved to Florida to be near her daughter. Her greatest desire was to be a positive witness to those around her: the aides who cared for her; the art teachers who expanded her horizons; the Bible study partners; the members of First Presbyterian Church; and the doctors, nurses, and staff in various hospitals and re-hab centers. Interment and memorial service arrangements pending. "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28, 29)