Beverly A. Peterson

April 22, 1929 – May 27, 2020

Beverly Ann Sjordal Peterson of Portland, Oregon.

Bev passed away of natural causes on Wednesday, May 27^th, 2020, in her Portland home.  She was 91 years old.

Bev was born on April 22^nd, a Monday, in Minot, ND in 1929.  She was the daughter of Olga Torgerson and Richard T Sjordal.

Bev grew up in Minot where she had one adopted sister, Helen. She was active in the debate club at Minot High School.  She met her future husband James C Peterson during her high school years.  After graduation Bev attended school to become a Medical Technician and moved to Seattle to work.

She married James at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Portland, OR in June, 1952. Bev stayed in Minot with her parents while James was in the US Air Force serving his country in Korea. During this time she delivered their first child, a girl, Kimberly. He returned to the US in September of 1953 joining his wife and baby daughter.   Bev moved with James to Valdosta, Georgia where he trained fighter pilots at the local airbase and their first son James Richard was born.

James was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1955.  The family moved to Portland, OR where James went to work at his father’s business Automatic Welders and Rebuilders.   Bev gave birth to their sons Craig Randall and Alan Scott in Portland.

Bev was a loving wife and mother.  She maintained a happy household and was a shining example of Christian love, strength and forgiveness.

Bev was an active member of Central Lutheran Church for many years.  She was a member of the local PTA, taught Sunday school and worked with the Girl Scout Troop. She was well liked. At the church she headed the welcome ministry -greeting members and visitors. She also worked in the church library.

Bev was always interested in Bible study and participated in many studies at the church. She studied the Bethel Series and joined the Bible Study Fellowship, where she became a leader.

Bev had many close friends through church and the neighborhood.  One group was known to her family as the “Tuesday Girls” they would get together every Tuesday to have coffee, talk, give each other support and to work on crafts.  This friendship lasted throughout their lives and ends with Bev’s passing.

Bev had five grandchildren, three step grandchildren, a grandson-in-law and a granddaughter-in-law.  She loved them all very much and would play and talk with them as long as they were willing. She knew two of her great-grandchildren and loved to share pictures and stories.

Bev was preceded in death by her youngest son Alan, her parents, her sister, and her husband, as well as many other relatives.

Bev is survived by her daughter Kimberly, sons James and Craig and their families, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bev is interred at Willamette National Cemetery with James.  Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Bev was a sweet, kind, intelligent woman and will be greatly missed by her family and others who knew her.