In Memory of Katie Rose Peterson

Friday, March 6, 2009

Intimate Family Gathering

Friday was set aside for the family to come together to remember and celebrate the life of Katie Rose Peterson.

The family gathered at Speers family home to say farewell to their daughter, sister, friend, niece and granddaughter.

The room was decorated with beautiful pink roses (one of Katie's favorite colors) and with some of her stuffed horses from home (she loved horses and dolphins).

Family were invited to come to the viewing. Scot and Carolyn have an incredible family and as you can imagine, the viewing was very emotional.

After the viewing the family gathered for an intimate, informal farewell to Katie. The informal farewell was hosted by Rev. Rob Clark, assisted by Rev. Shawn Chapman and Pastor Angela McDonald.

The family were invited to share some memories of Katie including:

Katie loved her Grandma's borscht
Katie loved horses and dolphins
She loved the Jonas brothers and "changed" her last name to Kate Jonas
Her energy level was very high and she was active (especially as a younger child)
Her father talked about her laughter
Her mother talked about the times they had together doing girl stuff
A close family friend talked about the orange peel fight in the basement during a sleepover
Some talked about how they will miss talking to her on the phone
Another talked about how Katie sewed pillows and blankets for others
An individual shared how Katie played the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy on the piano and they will never forget how she played


There was some laughter as we celebrated her life.
Then there was some sadness as we all understood she is gone too soon and we will miss her greatly.

A poem was read by Rev. Shawn Chapman (I will post later)
Some facebook messages were read by Rev. Rob Clark

A card given to the Peterson's was read by Rev. Rob Clark. It says:

We are all creatures of this great earth
interconnected in ways beyond understanding
Take elephants
So big
So strong
And yet,
when a member
of the herd passes.
even elephants mourn.
They gather around,
extend their trunks,
and gently touch
the tusks
of their fallen friend.
It's their ritual.
It's how they heal.
And it's sad.
And it's beautiful,

So maybe
what we're trying to say
is that the world
doesn't expect you to be fine with this.

Be how you need to be,
Mourn how you need to mourn.

And know that you're thought of
with love.

(copyright Carlton cards, AGC, inc.)

Rev. Rob Clark read from Psalm 23 (the message):

God my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.

We thank the Lord for entrusting us with the life of Katie.
Katie loved Jesus and lived according to the Bible..especially displaying the fruit of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22 &23 - Katie was loving, full of joy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle.

The kids she loved will miss her greatly.
Her family loves her and has great memories of her.

Farewell Katie..you lived your life well.

This family gathering occurred on Friday, March 6 2009 at Speers Funeral home in Regina from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

The family gathered for refreshments and encouragement afterwards.

In memory of Katie Rose Peterson, age 16

MEMORIAL - the memorial for Katie Rose Peterson will take place in Saskatoon. The date will be announced soon.