Lynn Petersen, 80, of Lakeview, and longtime North Shore resident, passed away Feb 11, one day shy of the 60th anniversary of her marriage to Jurgen (Pete) Petersen, Jr. Her legacy is defined by those she leaves behind, all of whom are in turn defined by her loving, vibrant presence in their lives. Mother of Brooke, Nick (Camille), Barbara, Christian (Christine), Mark (Cindy), Laird (Joe), Jim (Nancy), Amy; grandmother of 10 and one great grandchild.
Lynn had a passion for helping others, and she loved the many gay and lesbian friends that she met over the last 15 years. She proudly gave her time and effort to the work of Horizons, which honored her as its Volunteer of the Year in 1993. She also volunteered at the then Illinois Federation for Human Rights, now Equality Illinois. Lynn and Pete never missed the Gay Pride Parade. They always had their spot, and were welcomed every year, even though their chairs took up too much room on the curb. Her parade neighbors gladly cleared space so they could enjoy all the floats, and Lynn could see the politicos that she supported so dearly.
Lynn also had a passion for the people that she truly trusted to run for public office. She believed they would make decisions having a positive effect on the people that mattered to her, whether they were coping with disabilities, discrimination, HIV and AIDS, or just needed some basic human rights. She was always available to make phone calls for the campaigns and community work of Larry McKeon, Helen Shiller and Jan Shakowsky and considered them a part of her family.
A memorial celebration was held Sunday, Feb 13. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Horizons Community Services/Center on Halsted or the Palliative Care Center and Hospice of the North Shore.