Berniece Petterson

Berniece Petterson of Cottonwood passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at the age of 91. She was born on January 23, 1924 in Pinewood, MN to Oscar and Mathilda Freed. Berniece was the founder of "MOMS", a Phoenix organization designed to support and assist parents of newborn babies with Downs Syndrome. She received a Governors Award in the 1970\u0027s for her work in this organization. After moving to the Verde Valley she was an active board member for YES the ARC. Berniece was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. She loved dancing sewing and spending time with her family. Berniece was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Harley Petterson. She is survived by her sons, Stewart Petterson and Kim and Barbara Petterson; her daughter, Mary Petterson and son-in-law Lonnie Stephenson; 2 grandchildren, Erik and Kristin, and 1 great-grandchild, Olivia. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at Westcott Funeral Home; located at 1013 E. Mingus Ave, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 at 10 A.M. Memorial donations in her name may be made to Special Olympics or to the veteran\u0027s organization of your choice. An online guestbook is available to sign at www.westcottfuneralhome.com