Shirley Irene Peterson, 74 of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, April 27, 2025, after a long battle with frontotemporal dementia.

Shirley was born in Bismarck, ND, to parents Aloys and Alice (Gustin) Ternes. She grew up in Shields, ND, where her father farmed and ranched. Shirley, being the oldest of 7 children, had responsibilities at an early age and took her role seriously. She developed a strong work ethic from helping on the farm. Shirley attended a two-room school in Shields through 8th grade before graduating from Flasher High School in 1968. Shirley was smart, ambitious and outgoing. She was always ready to try something new and ready to have fun.

Shirley married Donald (Pete) Peterson in 1971. She graduated from NDSU with a degree in Home Economics in 1972 and later earned a degree in Elementary Education from UND. Donald and Shirley moved to Langdon, ND, in 1973. While Donald farmed, Shirley worked as a 5th grade teacher at the local Catholic school for a number of years prior to having children. She then held positions at the county WIC office and as the County Superintendent of Schools. She finished her career as a teacher of Family and Consumer Science at Minot High School before retiring in 2010.

Shirley was a strong supporter of Womens' rights and equal opportunities. She participated in a march in Washington, DC in the early 1980s. She encouraged her children to study math and science. She was a long-time member of PEO and AAUW (American Association of University Women), both of which provided college scholarships to young women. She appreciated the value of ongoing education and twice attended a food service educator forum at Johnson and Wales University Culinary School in Providence, Rhode Island. Shirley enjoyed time with family, traveling, camping in the family RV, and entertaining. She taught her children to cook and bake when they were very young and encouraged them to experiment in the kitchen. She was very patient when the food did not turn out as expected.

Donald and Shirley purchased a condo in South Padre Island, TX, in 2005 and enjoyed spending time there. Shirley had always loved going to the beach.

She was preceded in death by her father Aloys Ternes, her in-laws Vincent and Mary Peterson, and her sisters-in-law, Nona Peterson and Sheri Ternes. She is survived by her mother Alice (Gustin) Ternes, her husband of 53 years, Donald; her children, Beth (Nathan) Brandenburg and Garret (Ashley) Peterson; her grandchildren Lana and Dane Peterson and Ava and Pearl Brandenburg; her siblings Evelyn (Ron) Monzelowsky, Glen (Cindy) Ternes, Valerie (Ed) Fisher, Carla (David Arnstad) Schlosser, Mel (Cara) Ternes, and Roberta Spitzer; and her siblings in-law Mary Ellen Oland, Peter Peterson, and Paul (Aimee) Peterson.

Shirley's family extends their heartfelt appreciation to all of her caregivers, including the team from Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Funeral Service: 12:00 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2025 at the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service in the funeral home on Monday.
Burial: Lakota Cemetery, Lakota, ND.