Paula J. Briggs Peterson
Paula J. Briggs Peterson, Paula J. Peterson, 71, of Groveland, Illinois passed away at 2:50 PM Saturday, January 15, 2022 surrounded by her friends and family at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.
Paula was born on October 10, 1950 in Moline, Illinois to Dean Briggs and Ruth Corrine (Johnson) Felske. She married Thomas Peterson on April 8, 1978 in Moline.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Surviving are: her husband, Tom of Groveland; two daughters, Kimberly (Sean Harbison) Lopez of Pekin and Stephanie (Doug) Weidner of Pekin; three grandchildren, Payton Lopez, Wyatt and Josie Weidner; two sisters, Bonnie Court of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Terry Bert of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Paula started her professional career as a switchboard operator for Illinois Bell in the Quad Cities. She stayed with the company as it changed names and ended her career as a project manager for Avaya after 32 years retiring in 2001. During retirement she and her family purchased and ran the Rockin’ P Public Riding Ranch where she found an outlet to minister to children and her community. She was an avid equestrian and enjoyed riding her horse Buddy. She enjoyed camping, competitive couples’ country western dancing, and reading. Paula was a devout Christian and part of the women’s ministry at Pekin First Church of the Nazarene. She was passionate about supporting the growth of the church and its missions. Most of all she loved her grandchildren who lovingly called her Nana.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Friday, January 21, 2022 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Lloyd Brock officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Thursday, January 20th at the funeral home. Burial will be in Prairie Haven Cemetery, Pekin, Illinois.
Memorial contributions may be made to Theresa Tracy Pancreatic Foundation or the Pekin First Church of the Nazarene.