Nelson Funeral Home, Logan Utah

Obituary for Sara Andrea Petersen

Andrea Petersen passed away October 14, 2023 in Brigham shortly after her grandkids visit and the Annular Eclipse faded.  

Sara Andrea Petersen born March 27, 1945 in Tremonton to Colen C. Petersen and Sara Bingham Smith. 

Andrea's youth was spent playing with the neighborhood gang. They would ride bicycles, play in the canal, do 4-H projects, raise summer gardens and canned, had picnics in Logan Canyon. In Andrea's words she "spent a lot of time mowing the lawns in the summer and shoveling snow in the winter.” 

Educated at Bear River High graduating in 1963 and studied at BYU for two years.  

She ventured with a school mate, Ara, to work at Double Diamond Ranch. A guest ranch at the base of the Tetons. Her love of the Tetons grew over the next five summers and became a lifelong topic of conversation. She frequented National Parks including Zion, Arches, Glacier and Yellowstone. She continued to the enjoy the outdoors taking many hikes and camping excursions in her younger years with her son, Jon, and her nieces and nephews to Timpanogos, Logan Canyon and Willard Peak. Andrea enjoyed any involvement with her nieces and nephews and as their own families grew. 

In 1990 she traveled Europe with Ara seeing Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Israel.  

Andrea was employed at nursing homes in Ogden, Brigham City and Tremonton. She settled in at Lazy Boy for 27 years retiring in 2008. She served in the LDS primary for over 20 years with thoughtfully put together lessons. She maintained communications with many of the children and remained interested in their lives. She appreciated her associations from the 3rd, 11th and 4th wards over the years. 

Andrea was thrilled with the birth of her long awaited first grandchild, Whitney, and just as thrilled when Revin joined the family. She adored Jon, Shanna and the kids. Andrea dedicated herself to being a grandma. She couldn't wait for the "sleeps," as the grandkids would call her overnighters, she had often at their home. They were scheduled around many activities and packed with school programs, soccer, lots of soccer, painting ceramics, themed birthday parties where dressing up was a must, spontaneous water fights started by Andrea, and the epic Total Eclipse party at their home in 2017. Andrea was proud of Jon and his family and shared their accomplishments often. 

She looked forward to the yearly camping with grandkids at Sunrise in Logan Canyon, days at Bear Lake, Pickleville Playhouse, ice skating events, riding go carts and attending musicals. Her claim to fame was when she appeared on the Jumbo Tron at a Real Salt Lake game. For years she followed professional ice skating and the Olympics were celebrated with Olympic watch parties filled with homemade decorations.  

Andrea's spirit and character endeared her to many including to her daughter-in-law’s family. Her moniker was Grandma Andrea to the youth in that family. She was embraced and more than happy to join them on outings and vacations to Yellowstone, Tuacahn plays, Disneyworld even surprising herself that she’d ride an airboat thru a Florida swamp. She was the biggest and sometimes loudest fan at their demolition derby competitions. Andrea could count on a serenade at the cowboy concerts which she relished in. All night Christmas parties and long holiday stays were something she looked forward to and spent a lot of time preparing for. Her unassuming demeaner made her easy and fun to be around. 

During retirement Andrea became involved with Tremonton Women's Civic League. She served as Chairman of the Membership and Notification Committee and as Corresponding Secretary. Andrea gained many connections and friendships during this time. Andrea received Club Woman of the Year in 2015 and too humbled to share with family until after the fact.  

Andrea put together treasures with her scrapbooks. She liked to cross stitch, craft and always had a “project”, as she would call them, that she was working on. She liked game shows, cooking shows, listening to music and always had a word search book nearby or puzzle. 

She loved the holidays and decorating her beloved townhome accordingly. She especially loved fall and the leaves. Her sugar cookies were always a hit no matter the occasion. She enjoyed her nieces and nephews when included with their families.  

Andrea was an excellent seamstress sewing many a pajama sets, personalized pillowcases, Halloween costumes, and her highly sought after round baby quilts. She was called upon often to assist and use her skills for Trek clothing, bonnets, aprons and other special requests.  

Andrea was so giving and felt the service projects the civic club took on were important and her favorite to contribute her time, resources and sewing skills to. She participated in sewing gowns for Operation Smile, pillowcases for care centers, contributing food pantry and hygiene kit items. 

Many have been the recipients of personal notes and cards from Andrea. The notes were her signature trademark and were sure to done specially picked stickers to brighten one’s day. Andrea was a very thoughtful and selfless person always thinking of others and their needs first. 

Andrea was stalwart in the care of her mom over the years and helping her to remain in her own home. 

Preceded in death by her parents. Survived by son Jonathan (Shanna) Petersen, grandchildren Whitney and Revin and long-time friend, Jimmie whom she shared fishing, camping and 4 wheeling experiences with. 

Andrea's siblings Roger (Pat), Larry (Kathy), Meta the Meddler (Ron) Croney, Alice Callister, James (Melanie). Nieces and nephews and greats. 

Private family services will be held. Interment in Riverview Cemetery.

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