Florence Marie Petersen, 83, of Bradenton, Florida, formerly of Freeville, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 29th at her home.
She was born in Yonkers, NY on June 12, 1939, to Joseph T. and Marie (Kratzer) Petersen. She graduated from Dryden Central School, Class of 1956. She received an RN degree at the Danbury Hospital School of Nursing in 1961, a BS at the University of South Florida in 1980 and a CNOR (Certified Association of Operating Room Nurses).
Florence worked at Manatee Hospital and retired from Blake Hospital, Bradenton, Florida. In her retirement, she was a Perioperative Education Consultant. Her enjoyment in life was traveling. Having visited many countries, especially spending time with her many cousins in Denmark. Her family, especially her nieces and nephew, were her pride and joy. She loved to knit and take care of others.
Florence was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church, Bradenton, Fl. She sang in the church choir and taught Adult Sunday School. She was a member of the Retired Nurses of Sarasota and Manatee County and a longtime member of Dryden Grange.
She is survived by her sister Carol Russell, nieces Heidi Russell, Heather Russell and wife Leslie Bedner, and a nephew Scott Russell. Cousins Karen Gullick and Burton Kratzer. Also, many Danish cousins and extended family and friends.
Predeceasing her were her parents, brother-in-law Merritt Russell, grandparents, aunts and uncles.
No local services will be held. Services will be held on Friday, December 9th from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.at the Perkins Funeral Home followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be in Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden, NY with her parents. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the Retired Nurses of Sarasota and Manatee County, c/o of Karen Alwine, 7549 38th St., Circle East, Sarasota, Florida 34243.
