Laverne Jane Petersen

LaVerne Jane (Gilardi) Petersen - Known to friends and family as Vernie, she was born and lived her entire life in Petaluma, where she married Kenneth Petersen (deceased April 17, 1989) and raised their three daughters. She was the ultimate volunteer spending years in St. Vincent's Mothers Club even after all her daughters had graduated. Later, after Ken passed away, she started a new volunteer stint with Hospice of Petaluma. Her duties included pricing articles and repairing sewing machines for Sacks, the Hospice Thrift Store. She also made elaborate outfits from donated articles for the Santas raffled off at Christmas to benefit Hospice. She earned the Hospice "Volunteer of Year""" in 1999. Her grandchildren referred to Sacks as """Gramma's Store.""" "" Vernie was born to Americo and Palma Gilardi, and raised by her aunt, Vina Nonella after the early death of her mother. Her father and brother, Richard Gilardi also preceded her in death along with her grandson, Kevin Alvestal and sisters, Mae Trabucchi, Margaret Bettinelli, Teddy Bailey and Estelle Olson. She is survived by her brother, George Gilardi (Evelyn) of Point Reyes, daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Chuck Luther of Walnut Creek, Kathy and Ron Alvestal of Santa Rosa, and Lee Ann and Allen Matthias of Petaluma. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ken Luther (Misty), Kristin Utler (Todd), Kurt Luther (Amy), Patrick Siemsen ( Rebecca), Matthew Siemsen, Derrick Alvestal, Amy Leveroni, Ashley Leveroni, Stacy Leveroni and Samantha Matthias and her Great-Grandchildren, Kenny, Tanner, and Carsen Utler; Jesse and Hailey Luther; Camryn and Owen Luther; and Siena Siemsen. Friends and family are invited to attend the Funeral Liturgy, Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 10:00 AM at the PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St., Petaluma, CA 94952. Interment: Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Petaluma. She was always a loving, although sometimes stern and demanding Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother and loved very deeply. Affectionately known as Gramma Pete to her Great-Grandchildren, she will be lovingly missed by all who knew her.