Edith Martinelli Petersen – long time Geyserville, Dry Creek resident

Edith Martinelli Petersen, a longtime resident of the Upper Dry
Creek Valley, passed away at home on July 14, 2003. She was
predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Hereward (Hay) Petersen in
December 1999. Edith is survived by her children Priscilla (Darvin)
Schlag of Healdsburg, Dane (Margaret) Petersen of Alexander Valley,
Christine (Gerald) Nola of Stockton; her sister Elivia (Harold)
Thiederman of Kensington; 10 grandchildren and 11
great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents Fortunato
and Eugenia Martinelli and her brothers Harry and Fred Martinelli.
Edith was born on December 29, 1913 in Geyserville, attended the
Oriental School (now the Grange Hall), across the street from her
home, Consolidated Grammar School and graduated from Geyserville
High School in 1931. She worked in a bakery for several years in
Berkeley, coming home on the train for family visits. Edith and Hay
met in high school and were married on June 7, 1936 at her parents’
home in Geyserville. They made their first home in Scotia where Hay
worked for Pacific Lumber Company. All three of their children were
born there in Humboldt County. In 1946, Edith and Hay moved back to
Sonoma County, buying a 65 acre ranch at the end of West Dry Creek
Road. There they raised their family, successfully farmed prunes,
pears and eventually grapes, planted wonderful gardens and created
many, many wonderful memories. Her huckleberry pie “birthday cakes”
will never be forgotten. Her green thumb and love of gardening
showed in her acre of garden. Edith was active in her parish, Our
Lady of Mt. Carmel, Asti, serving as president of St. Mary’s Guild
for many years, and was a member of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau.
She supported the American Field Service, hosting Fred Fessier of
Germany in 1962 (who has remained a close family member). Friends
paid their respects on Sunday, July 20, 2003, at Fred Young &
Company in Cloverdale. A Funeral Mass, celebrated by Reverend
Robert Blake, was held on Monday, July 21, 2003 at Our Lady of Mt.
Carmel, Asti, with burial following at Olive Hill Cemetery,
Geyserville. Donations in Edith’s memory to Sutter VNA Hospice,
1110 North Dutton Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 96401 or to the
Geyserville Volunteer Fire Department would be appreciated.