Obituary of Audrey L Petersen

Audrey Petersen passed peacefully on July 25, 2022, with family by her side. Audrey’s parents, Walt and Lois Petersen, immigrated to the United States from Denmark. In early 1945, Audrey was born in San Luis Obispo. At a young age, they moved to Soquel where her parents tended to a beautiful plum orchard, and in the early 1960’s the family owned a diner located by the beach in Capitola called Petersen’s. She attended Santa Cruz High and graduated in 1962. Audrey then attended Cabrillo College and received training as a secretary. Her first job was at Sylvania and later she would accept a job with UCSC as a secretary for the Lick Observatory. It was there that she met her husband, Tom Sylvester. In the late 1970’s, Audrey owned and operated a used clothing store located in downtown Santa Cruz called Fashion Tree. For the last 13 years, she lived at La Posada Retirement Community where she made many friends whom she loved dearly. Audrey enjoyed painting and some of her pieces were even on display in Chicago. She played bingo, was a master sewer/embroiderer, crocheter, and knitter. Her hand-crafted doll dresses were very beautiful. She loved to sing, play ukulele, and listen to John Denver, Statler Brothers, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Audrey loved her Lord and would attend church where she felt great comfort and camaraderie among her friends there. Audrey is preceded in death by her parents, Walt and Lois Petersen, husband, Tom Sylvester, and daughter Victoria Sylvester. She is survived by her brothers Ken (Melanie) Petersen, Wayne (Sonnie) Petersen, son Geoff Sylvester, and daughter Kathryn Gaub (Steve) and grandchildren Rebecca Gaub, and Amanda (Nic) Eckrich-Gaub. Audrey’s positive spirit and funny mischievous giggle will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Audrey’s name to St. Jude’s or to the Ronald McDonald House.