Aug. 18, 1938 – May 25, 2025
Sarah Katherine Peterson passed away on Sunday, May 25, after a seven-month fight with pancreatic cancer. She was deeply concerned for others and was admired for her caring and vibrant spirit.
She was born in Chicago, Illinois—the daughter of Claire and Theodore Koerner. She attended Mount Holyoke College where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in religion. She then attended Goucher College where she received a Master’s degree in education. Her teaching career included five years in Concord, Massachusetts, 25 years teaching junior high school in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and finally 10 years at Mount Madonna School in California. In her retirement, she also tutored children from Ophir School in Big Sky. Throughout her career she was honored and recognized as an outstanding teacher who cared deeply for her students.
In her personal life Sarah was an activist committed to many causes including civil rights, anti-war and anti-nuclear proliferation efforts, suicide prevention and educational equity. She was deeply involved in the Episcopal church in communities where she lived: Cambridge, Massachusetts; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Santa Cruz, California; and Big Sky.
She was an active and spirited individual whether playing tennis, skiing, hiking, or backpacking and who took up golf at age 80 with great enthusiasm. Her positive and outgoing nature earned her many friends. She positively influenced many of her students and friends throughout the years.
She is survived by her husband, Marvin W. Peterson of Aptos, California and Big Sky; her two daughters Julia Salido of Aptos, and Jessica Peterson of Westminster, Colorado. She was a loving grandmother to Isabella, Daniela and Miguel Salido, and Elena and Claire Frankel.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service for Sarah at Soldiers Chapel in Big Sky at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 6—and to the reception directly following at All Saints in Big Sky.
Donations in Sarah’s name may be made to: Episcopal Relief & Development or the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County.
Read more about Sarah and Marvin Peterson in a 2023 feature story highlighting their 50 years in Big Sky.
