Linnea Marjorie Petersen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Linnea Marjorie Stone Petersen was born in Turlock, California on August 30, 1925, the third daughter of Ida and Gottfried Stone. She was raised in a loving pastors’ home and lived in Chicago, Orland, California, and Denver, Colorado. She graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois with a degree in Physical Education. She also went on to earn an M.S. in Counseling from San Jose State. Marge taught Physical Education at Wheaton College for several years as well as several high schools in California. She was active her entire life and especially loved swimming, tennis and golf. Her interests also included painting, cooking, needlepoint and reading. Her great love was working with and mentoring teenagers while on the staff of Young Life. She was with Young Life in Knoxville, Tennessee, Chicago, Illinois and Berkeley, California. Her life touched hundreds of teenagers and college students, many of whom have kept in close touch with her over the years. She was mentor, role model, friend, encourager and Christian counselor. Marge was Assistant Dean of Women at Wheaton College from 1960 – 1964. She opened her home to many young women that was affectionately called the House of Stone. She met Hugh E. Petersen, the love of her life, in Chicago and they were married in 1968. They lived in Winnetka, Illinois and they were active in the First Presbyterian Church. Marge also served as the Teaching Director of a large and newly established Bible Study Fellowship group on the North Shore of Chicago. The Petersen’s purchased the historic La Arcada Building and Courtyard in Santa Barbara in 1972 which has become the jewel of Santa Barbara. They moved to this city on a part-time basis to be closer to her sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Dwight Small. In the mid-seventies they left Chicago to live here in Santa Barbara permanently. They continued their tradition of gracious hospitality, always opening their home to people and groups, including a number of dear young adults and students who have lived in their home. In 1982, Marge opened the P.S. Limited store with business partner, Marge Schweinfurth. The store became well known for fine gifts and home accessories. After twenty years, she retired the beautiful and successful business, one that has been greatly missed and fondly remembered. Marge and Hugh were honored by the prestigious Santa Barbara’s Man and Woman of the Year award in 1995. Through the years, they have quietly and generously supported many individuals as well as local and global charitable organizations. Marge served on the Board of Trustees of Young Life International and Westmont College. She and Hugh both were active in the Montecito Covenant Church. Her devotion and deep faith in Jesus Christ, her love for the Scriptures and sweet love of others drew many men and women, young and old, to cherish her. She was dedicated to the importance of Christian education, of generously helping others, and investing in the lives of people. She was a beloved wife, aunt, friend, teacher and mentor. Marge was predeceased by her beloved Hugh, and sisters Ruth Stone Small and Anne Stone Ahlstrom. She cared deeply for her many Labrador dogs, now gone: Elsa, Katie, Dillion, Sara and Belle. She is survived by nieces Lynne Small Tahmisian (James) and Shay Small Peck (Dennis) as well as five grandnephews: Gregg Tahmisian, Tim Tahmisian, Bryan Tahmisian, Kenny Cudworth, Troy Cudworth and their families. She is also survived by her loving Petersen family some of whom include her nieces Ruth Kovacs, Mary Tabb, and Martha O’Connor. Nephews include David Petersen, Doug Petersen and Jim Hardee. The family is indebted to Devaney Taylor, Marge’s personal assistant of thirteen years whose sacrificial service was carried out with loving excellence. The family is also indebted to her kind and compassionate caregivers of four years: Irma, Sharon, April, Julia and Elfega. We are also grateful to Senior Planning and Hospice Visiting Nurses. Marge peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday morning, November 30, 2016, in her home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Montecito Covenant Church on Sunday, December 11th at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Westmont College or Young Life International: Santa Barbara chapter.

Linnea Marjorie Petersen

August 30, 1925 - November 30, 2016