By Nicole Peterson
Karen Peterson passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, at her home in Cordova, Alaska, surrounded by loved ones after a nine-year battle with breast cancer.
Karen was a loving wife, amazing mother, proud grandmother, cherished sister, and loyal friend. She had a remarkable way of making everyone around her feel cared for and valued. Her life was rooted in generosity, warmth, and an unwavering dedication to her family. Karen found joy in doing for others, through simple acts of kindness and the countless ways she showed up for the people she loved.
If you knew Karen, you knew how much she loved to create, to give, and to bring people together. Her creativity was unmatched. She could take something simple and transform it into a piece of art. She was always experimenting, trying new things, and creating – from art projects with her grandchildren, to designing imaginative installations in her home from found objects, to even writing her own books. Karen had a deep love for color and creativity.
Karen is survived by her beloved husband of 44 years, Lenny; her children: Jesse and his wife Victoria, with their two sons; Jacob and his wife Sarah; Nicole and her husband Greg, and their baby daughter; and Casea and her husband Ben, with their two daughters.
Family was the center of Karen’s world. She created a home filled with comfort, laughter, and love, leaving behind memories that will be treasured forever. Her presence brought people together, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.
Karen’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends – in the love she gave, the things she created, the lives she touched, and the countless moments that will never be forgotten. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
If you would like to donate in her honor here are a list of charities and organizations she loved to support: Mt. Eccles Elementary School, Cordova Girl Scouts or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
