ORONO – Aina Petersons passed away Feb. 9, 2005, at a Bangor hospital. Aina was born Jan. 7, 1914, in Riga, Latvia. In Latvia, she attended horticulture school, married Karlis Petersons and gave birth to a son and daughter. With her family and her three sisters’ families, she became a refugee at the end of World War II and lived in displaced person’s camps in Germany for five years where she gave birth to a daughter, before emigrating to a ranch near Valley Mills, Texas in 1950. In l951, she settled in Maywood, Ill., where she and her husband worked in factories and raised their three children to believe in the importance of peace, justice, and caring. Aina was beloved by many friends and family members who treasured her fine sense of humor, her serenity and her compassion for others. Aina worked hard all of her life. She loved gardening and nurturing plants, people and animals. She was an avid reader and a fan of classical music. Aina inspired her family and friends when late in life she made difficult and courageous changes in the direction of her life proving that miracles are possible one day at a time. In 1995, she moved to Cotuit, Mass. to live with her daughter. There she enjoyed the ocean, spending time with her daughter, Anda, and especially her new found friends, Bob and Margaret Kingsbury, who continued to stay in touch with her weekly. In 2000, Aina moved to Orono, to live with her daughter Ilze, and son-in-law, Doug where she delighted in welcoming her family, including her grandson, David for special visits. Family and friends were also inspired by the strength, patience and perseverance Aina demonstrated in the face of multiple health problems over many years. Aina is survived by her daughter, Ilze Petersons and son-in-law, Douglas Allen of Orono; her daughter, Anda, of Safety Harbor, Fla.; son, John Peterson and daughter-in-law, Julie Norman and grandson, David Peterson and his partner, Holly Lewandowski, all of Oak Park, Illinois. She was predeceased by her husband in 1967. She is also will be remembered by her nephews and special friends, Marta Reichs, Bob Hedberg, Harry Lauris, Judy Lewis. Aina’s family wants to express appreciation to the Emergency Medical Technicians and staff in the Emergency Room as well as the staff in Coronary Care Unit where Nurse Kelly provided the most loving and compassionate care for Aina’s final hours. Thanks also to Dr. Rampe and the staff at Norumbega Medical for their special caring during the past four years and to neighbors, Betty and Sam Hamilton and Riki and Lorraine Wentworth who offered special support. There will be no service at this time. Memorial services will be held this summer in Orono and in the Chicago area. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the a caring organization of your choice. A service of Brookings-Smith, LaBeau Chapel, Orono.
AINA PETERSONS
