Jean Yvonne Petersen

Jean Yvonne Petersen April 15, 1943 – July 11, 2026

Jean Yvonne Petersen, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, at the age of 83.

Jean was born on April 15, 1943, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, Oregon. She spent her early years in Eugene and Medford before moving to Astoria in 1959 during her sophomore year of high school. Astoria became the place she proudly called home for the remainder of her life.

In 1963, Jean married Larry Petersen. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and community. They welcomed their son, Scott, in 1965 and their daughter, Kari, in 1968. Jean began her career at Pacific Bank before choosing to stay home to raise her children. As Scott and Kari grew older, she returned to work at Astoria Middle School, where many former students remember the "Petersen Payless" student store. She later worked for First Federal Bank, Bank of Astoria, and Knutsen Insurance. In the 2000s, she became a real estate agent in Astoria while also assisting Larry with his home inspection business.

While Jean enjoyed a successful career, her greatest accomplishment was the family she loved so deeply. Her grandchildren affectionately called her "Grandma at the Ocean," and she lovingly signed her cards "GATO." She treasured every opportunity to spend time with them and was immensely proud of each of their accomplishments.

Jean had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. She created a warm and inviting home where family always looked forward to gathering. She loved cooking and baking for those she loved and had a remarkable way of making each person feel special through her thoughtful attention and genuine interest in their lives.

She found joy in working in her yard, planting flowers, walking the beach with her grandchildren in search of treasures, picking berries, baking, and simply spending time with her family. She also enjoyed creating handmade gifts, believing that something made with love was more meaningful than something purchased. Jean's faith was an important part of her life. She faithfully prayed for her family and found comfort and strength in her relationship with God. Her quiet faith, kindness, and unwavering love were reflected in the way she cared for others each day.

Jean is survived by her siblings, Jan Shaffner and Jay Witbeck; her children, Scott Petersen and Kari Culbert; and her six beloved grandchildren: Kyle, Tori, Caden, Sidney, Charley, and Chase. Jean will be remembered for her generous heart, gentle spirit, and the love she poured into her family every day. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the example she set will remain with those who were blessed to know her.

A Celebration of Jean's Life will be held on Saturday, November 7th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Lum Lodge, 1572 Franklin Avenue, Astoria, Oregon. Family and friends are warmly invited to join in celebrating the life of a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.