Petersen, Jean A. at the age of 77, died Sunday, June 21st peacefully at Heritage of Edina Tiffany building. She had a long difficult battle with dementia but ultimately died of pneumonia. She was born October 29th, 1937 of her late parents Robert Kelly and Lucy (Gallo) Kelly. Jean is survived by her husband Neil S. Petersen; her daughters, Nonie (Ed) Kouneski, and Maari (Kurt) Oldham, two grandchildren, Jakob Kouneski and Brynn Oldham, two step grandchildren and family, Elena (Sergio Rapu) and Julia Kouneski; her sister and family, Toni (Neil) Fagerhaugh, nephews Tim and Ryan Fagerhaugh. Jean was a graduate of South high school in Minneapolis, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota, and Masters of Teaching from St Thomas. She also studied massage therapy later in life. Jean worked as a social worker in several different positions, taught adult education for the Hopkins school district. She was always going back to school to learn new things and pursue new passions.Jean and Neil were married almost 54 years. They met at the Unitarian Universalist singles club at the University of Minnesota. They were long time members of the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Minneapolis. Over the years together they enjoyed skiing, motor-cycling, cooking, traveling to the SW, and most recently stays at their daughter's cabin up north. Jean loved good food. She was an amazing cook and passed that passion down to her children. Jean also loved to read. She enjoyed spirited conversation over a good meal with family and friends. She was a willing expert on any given topic - when asked how she knew so much she would simply answer "I read it somewhere". Her last years she lived at Heritage of Edina where she received loving care from all of the nurses and health aids. Her family is very grateful for everything they did to help her have quality of life in her final years. There will be a private memorial service for her at her daughter Maari's home on July 15th from 3-6 pm, with a program around 4:30. For information call 612-501-5059. Jean gave to many charities and in particular was concerned with helping Native Americans. In lieu of flowers please donate in her name to the American Indian College Fund, 8333 Greenwood Blvd. Denver, CO 80221. collegefund.org/content/….