Ishpeming - Sandra L. (Lafreniere) Petersen, age 72, lifelong Ishpeming resident, passed away Friday March 27, 2015 at Mather Nursing Home where she was a patient since March 16. She was under the care of the UP Home Health and Hospice.

Sandra was born March 5, 1943 in Ishpeming. She was a graduate of Ishpeming High School and Northern Michigan University, School of Nursing. She had worked as an LPN at Bell Memorial and Mather Nursing Home.

She was married to the late Carl Petersen. Together they were active members of the local Swedish Club VASA, enjoyed cooking, and camping. She had a passion and talent for the arts and painting, and was a active member of a Negaunee painting club. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Sandra was preceded in death by her husband Carl Petersen, her parents Julius Lafreniere and Betty Marra, sister Julie Sundblad, and granddaughter Leanne Bessner.

She is survived by three daughters, Deborah Olson (Dean) of Gig Harbor, WA, Paula Kelly (Mike) of Suttons Bay, Jacqueline Bessner (Brad) of Ishpeming, sister Betty Jo Marra (Ken) of Albany, NY, and 3 grandchildren Anna Pryor, Jacob Pryor and Emily Bessner. She is also survived by her former husband, Charles Davis of South Carolina, who was at her side when she passed.

A Special thank you to her many friends and medical staff for your kindness and support during her illness. A private memorial will take place in the summer.

Donations in her memory can be made to the RSVP program at 215 W. Hematite Dr., Ishpeming, MI 49849.