Shirley Peterson

Shirlee Peterson, 77, of Great Falls, died of natural causes on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at Peace Hospice.A vigil service will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral liturgy will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Shirlee was born March 8, 1934, in Great Falls, Montana, the third child of Beatrice R. (Reardon) and John A. Swanson. She was always proud of her hometown and especially that she was raised on the West Side. Her fondest childhood memories included going to the fair with her brother and sister and buying penny candy at Johnsons Grocery. After graduation from Great Falls High in 1952, Shirlee worked as a secretary/receptionist for Dr. Harlan Lee. On October 16, 1954, she married Bill Peterson and they began building their life together. In 1961 they had their only son, Blake William Peterson.Shirlee always worked hard, especially at jobs she enjoyed. She worked for Great Falls "public" Schools as a cashier in their hot lunch program, first at Lincoln and then at Chief Joseph School. Her career spanned 33 years of service. Shirlee was, to say the least, a dedicated and loving daughter. She spent fifteen years going to the County nursing home three times a day, caring for her mother, until Beatrice passed in 1990. Survivors include her brother John Swanson of Belleview, WA and her son Blake Peterson of Eagle, CO.Shirlee was preceded in death by her parents, John and Beatrice Swanson; her sister, Beverlee (Naismith) Swanson; and her husband, William Dean Peterson. Memorials are suggested to Peace Hospice of Montana, 1101 26th St. South, Great Falls, MT 59405 or the American Cancer Society.