Arlene Peterson

Arlene Leonora (Johnsen-Eik) Peterson, 86, went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.  Born on December 4, 1936, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, August “Auggie” Peterson, and her children Ricky and Peter Carl. Arlene was lovingly known as “Mommy” to her children Virginia (Peterson) Falk and her husband Theodore, Susan Peterson, Melissa Peterson and her wife Fran Eardly, Dana Peterson and his wife Jolita, Teresa Harding, Donna Peterson, and Kevin Peterson and his wife Angelica.

Arlene was a devoted “Mamama” to grandchildren Joshua Jacobson and his wife Vanessa, Stephanie (Jacobson) Mantell and her husband Clayton, Michael Jacobson and his partner Amanda Phillips, Victor Jacobson and his wife Cheyan, Felicia Alvarez and her wife Marisa, Zoe Eardly, Sofia Peterson and Nathan Peterson, as well as great-grandchildren Greyson Jacobson, Mason Mantell, Abigail Mantell, Evangeline Osborne and Landon Jacobson.

A wonderful woman with a huge heart, Arlene was passionate about caring for children in need and changed the lives of many. After giving birth to two children, she and Auggie opened their home to more than 60 foster children over the years, six of whom they were able to adopt. Arlene was always quick to laugh, loved to share stories and never let anyone leave her home hungry.

Services will be held at Blackley Funeral Home, 809 Broad Ave, Ridgefield, NJ with a viewing 5-9 pm on Friday, October 27 and a funeral service and burial Saturday, October 28 at 9:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pleasant Hills Children’s Home at pleasanthillschildrenshome.org.

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