Constance Louise "Connie" Peterson

Constance Louise Peterson, 83, of Missoula passed away unexpectedly Monday, August, 28 2017 surrounded by her loving family, at St. Patrick’s Hospital.
Connie was born in the Red River Valley in Drayton, North Dakota on November 21, 1933 to Frank and Annie Simmons (Rhienhardt). She was the youngest of three; brother Francis and sister Gayle.
Connie was a lifelong social butterfly. That become apparent with her extra circular involvement; lettering in cheerleading and basketball. She graduated from Drayton High School in 1951. Following high school she attended teacher’s college and earned a degree alongside her future husband, Glen Peterson. The two were married on June 19, 1955. Glen’s career brought the couple to many locations; including, Moorhead, MN, Minot, ND, Valley City, and Glendive, MT. Connie was quick to make friends and ingrain the family in their communities. During their time in Glendive, MT, she loved running beauty pageants and the community theater. She was a fashion forward trendsetter regardless of the place, occasion, or her age. Connie never met a stranger. She was quick to build friendships with all.
Upon settling in Missoula, MT Connie expanded her education with a certification in braille. She served Missoula County School District 1 for 24 years teaching blind children braille, mobility, and independence and helping them with their studies across all subjects.
Connie was a strong family women. She loved raising her sons, Marc and Jeff, and loved family trips. Through Glen’s company the couple had the privilege of traveling to Rome, St. Lucia, and Jamaica. Glen and Connie took their son’s and their spouses to the 1988 winter Olympic games in Calgary. Another travel highlight for Connie was taking their grandchildren on summer road trips each year. Locations included historical sites throughout Montana, Victoria, British Columbia, and Silverwood Theme Park, among others.
Connie and Glen were avid Griz fans and loved their season tickets for both basketball and football games. She was looking forward to watching the 2017-2018 Griz season and her youngest grandchild, Jacob’s, football games. Connie loved following all of her grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments.
Connie is preceded in death by her beloved husband Glen Peterson. Survivors include her two much-loved sons. Marc with wife Sherry and their daughters Jennaya (fiancé Jace Sullivan), Kayli (husband Shane Julius) and Kensie (fiancé Andrew Glueckert). Jeff with wife Karen and their children Taylor and Jacob. Also survived by cousins Frank and Sandy Simmons. A special thank you to Connie’s caring neighbors Courtney, Jodi, Abby, Ginny, and the Gallagher family.
Services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, at Garden City Memorial with a reception to follow on site. Connie loved flowers and she loved her students. The family suggests memorials be sent to the University of Montana Foundation in memory of Connie Peterson to support continued education for the blind and students with disabilities.
Condolences may be left at www.gardencityfh.com