Gariselda Eileen (Pefley) Peterson, age 87, of Marion, passed away peacefully at 4:17 am on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
Gariselda was born on March 21, 1936, in Wabash, Indiana, the daughter of the late Sherman and Leota (Lewis) Pefley. She grew up in Marion, graduating from Marion High School in 1954 in the top 25% of her class. During high school, she worked at Kresge Dime Store in Marion. After graduation, she attended Western Michigan University.
Gariselda, or “Gari” as her friends and family knew her, lived for a short time in Michigan, working for KVP Sutherland Paper Company, and in Boston, where she worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. In Marion, Gari worked for RCA and then Bell Fibre, where she retired at 62 years old in 1998.
She is survived by her significant other, John Kelly; children, Eileen (Travis) LeMaster and Curt (Sheena) Cummings; grandchildren, Rachel (Jordan) Ashley, Megan (Sam) Fowler, Corinne LeMaster (Ryan Browning), Kirstie Cummings, Justin Cummings (Morgan Heald), Lauren (Ryan) Delay, Eli Cummings, Mason Chowning, and Calen Chowning; many great-grandchildren; brother, Stan (Lois) Pefley; a number of step-children; and many beloved friends.
She will be remembered as a people-lover who enjoyed spending quality time with others and having long conversations over dinner or at the salon. She was a member of the Mississinewa Battlefield Society since it began in 1989 and volunteered during the Battle of 1812 reenactment each year, where she worked in the merchandise tent. Gari was a patron of local arts and often attended Marion Philharmonic concerts and other performances in Marion and Wabash. She was happiest when spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren’s programs throughout the years.
Gariselda was preceded in death by her husband, BJ “Pete” Peterson, and her parents.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Grant Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, 1606 W. 26th St., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Gariselda’s life will begin at 1:00 pm. Pastor Duane Seitz will be officiating.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Mississinewa Battlefield Society, Inc., P.O. Box 1812, Marion, IN 46953 or South Marion Friends Meeting, 5308 S. Harmon St., Marion, IN 46953.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.