Linda Marie Peterson

Linda Marie Peterson was born on March 11, 1954 in Shelton, WA to Walter Kocha and Delphine Tucker. She passed away in her Puyallup home, surrounded by family and friends on April 15, 2014 after fighting cancer for five years. Linda graduated from Stadium High School in 1972 and then went to Bates Vocational School. She became a nurse and practiced this occupation for forty years, working last at Heritage Rehabilitation of Tacoma. She was a diligent worker and truly cared for the well-being of the patients. Lindas caring heart went well beyond the extent of her work though. She was a devoted family member and friend, who beautifully expressed her affection through her never ending support. She spent forty years married to the love of her life, Allan Peterson. Together they had two children, Steven Peterson and Michele Walker. Linda had a very large and admiring family, including her younger brother, Steven Kocha; her step mother, Frances Kocha; her four grandchildren; and many others. She constantly made her family feel close by hosting many family gatherings. She always joked that her family would celebrate something as silly as Ground Hogs Day just as an excuse to be together even more often. There is no denying that Linda loved her family more than anything and was always interested in being involved in all of their lives. As well as spending time with her family, Linda also enjoyed many activities. She liked to go camping and play games of cribbage by the fire. She would also go to Lake Chelan every summer and enjoyed feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin. Linda loved to read and have a cup of tea with some shortbread cookies. She played Bunco twice a month with her girls and pampered herself by getting her nails done regularly. She would get excited to go to the casino too. Linda was a wonderful hostess and was always planning something, like her annual Christmas party. She also traveled to Mexico a few times. Most recently, she went this past March with some of her family to celebrate her 60th birthday in the sunshine. Linda had many friends, far too many to name, but her family would like to specifically acknowledge Tonya Margeson. When Linda looks down at Tonya, she will not only love her for being one of her closest friends but also because Tonya greatly helped her family when her time was coming to an end. Lindas memorial service will take place on May 3, 2014 from 11a-2p at the South Tacoma Eagles (address below) and led by Reverend Frank Torres. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lindas American Cancer Society Relay for Life team (mailing address below) and would be truly appreciated. Linda Marie Peterson was an amazing woman who meant the world to so many people. We will all deeply miss hearing her voice, seeing her warm smile, and feeling her big hugs. Memories of her will always be cherished and she will always remain on the hearts of those that she had touched. Memorial Service: South Tacoma Eagles 7037 S Pine St Tacoma, WA 98409 Donations: ACS in Memorial of Linda 1313 Broadway, 100 Tacoma, WA 98408 Until we meet again, my beautiful gramma. XOXO Aunna Colter