Norma L. Peterson, 90, of Pensacola, FL, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2017.

Norma had a sensitive heart and was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Possessing an unrelenting optimism and an abundance of generosity of spirit and kindness, she was always willing to help others in need and with grace and great wisdom provided that assistance and guidance to all, whether it be her family, friends, or those with whom she had just become acquainted. Her determination and cheerfulness during the late stages of her life helped her and her family during those difficult times. Norma's love and dedication to her husband and family was surpassed only by her love and devotion to God, who has blessed her and them throughout her life.

Norma was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, and married Gerald Peterson in 1946, after his return from service in the U.S. Navy in World War II. Norma and Jerry brought up their children in Wollaston, South Weymouth, and Avon, Massachusetts, and in 1974, moved to Sarasota, Florida. Norma moved to Pensacola, Florida, after the passing of Jerry, and subsequently took residence at Azalea Trace, where she made many new and close friends with other residents and staff, whom she loved dearly.

Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald E. Peterson; her parents, Theodore and Alma Parsons; and her brother, Donald R. Parsons.

She is survived by her sister, Ruth A. Knowles, of Quincy, Massachusetts; her sons, Bobby (DeeJay) Peterson of Cumming, Georgia, and Ralph A. (Jan) Peterson of Pensacola Beach, Florida, and daughter, Leslie J. (Douglas) Schneider of Cape Coral, Florida; grandchildren: Tiffany Peterson (Scott Ginnetti) of Pensacola, Florida; Shane Peterson of Cumming, Georgia; Chip (Lindsey) Caffelle of Sarasota, Florida; Douglas (Randi) Caffelle of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; Max (Jennifer) Schneider, New Orleans, Louisiana; and Parme Lynch Tietze (Derek) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; and great grandchildren: Braedon Peterson; Noah, Jocelyn, and Preston Caffelle; Anderson and Xander Ginnetti; and Caleb, Camden, and Cylee Tietze; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

A private family memorial and celebration of life service will be held in Sarasota, Florida, at a date to be determined later.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Azalea Trace Foundation, c/o Administrator, 10100 Hillview Drive, Pensacola, Florida 32514; or Covenant Hospice, Inc. c/o Covenant Care, 5041 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola, Florida 32504.

Special thanks to all the nurses, aides, and physicians at West Florida Hospital and Covenant Hospice for their loving care of Norma during the weeks before her passing; and very special gratitude to her wonderful friends and the staff, Chaplin, aides, nurses, and doctors at Azalea Trace for their love, care, sharing, and close friendships—she felt blessed every day to live there.