Helen Ramona Peterson, born June 6, 1930 on Lion Street in Ojai, peacefully passed away on January 25, 2026 at the age of 96. She was a beautiful, warmhearted woman who was beloved by all who knew her.
She attended St. Thomas Aquinas Church all her life, and was a member of The Altar Society. She sang as a soloist in the church choir. She had a beautiful voice! In 1947, at age 16, she began volunteering for the Ojai Music Festival. She worked with John Bauer and suggested that the concerts be held outdoors. She was head usher at the first concert and greeted people in a lovely gown.
She served as a docent at the Ojai Valley Museum for many years, and also was selected as a Living Treasure of Ojai. She was a member of the Ojai Women’s Club and the Los Californianos group. Helen met Roy Peterson in Solvang, California. They were married at the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel in Ojai in 1970, and their precious son, Vincent, was born in 1971.
A devoted teacher, Helen taught school in Ojai for 50 years at San Antonio, Mira Monte, Summit, and also in Santa Paula. At Summit School, she was the head of the music program. In addition, she taught for 6 years overseas in Spain, France, England, and Turkey. She loved to travel and took her son, Vincent, to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Japan, Spain, England, China, Thailand, and South America. They had many fun adventures together!
Helen was preceded in death by her parents Dan and Hortense Chavez, her brothers Dan and Frank, sisters Anita and Maxine, and husband Roy Peterson. She leaves her son Vincent and sister Rose, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. We will all miss her dearly!
The mass and reception will be at St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.