Karen Peterson, 79, of Pittsburgh, PA, died peacefully at home on January 7, 2011.

Friends, family and colleagues are planning a memorial for early Spring, to celebrate her life and many causes. For information, visit karenpeterson.wordpress.com.

Karen was in Sheridan, Wyoming through high school and remained part "cowgirl" all her life, with a love of the outdoors and a spirit of Western hospitality and lending a helping hand. She graduated from University of Minnesota nursing school, and earned a master's degree in public health at the University of Pittsburgh. After working in the community as a public health nurse, she was an educator and administrator at the Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh for over three decades, coordinating master's and doctoral programs, advising students and teaching in the field of population studies. Her research and community service interests were international in scope, including maternal and child health, reproductive health policies, universal health care, and effective health and social service program planning. She was active professionally, serving a term as president of the Pennsylvania Public Health Association, and tirelessly building relationships among advocacy organizations. She engaged in community issues as a member of several groups: Governing Board, Early Head Start; Board of Directors, Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania; Allegheny County Homeless Alliance Board and Co-Chair, Health Resources and Service Delivery Committee; President, Board of Directors, Community Human Services Corporation, Pittsburgh.

A lifelong citizen activist, she joined the League of Women Voters as a young housewife in Portland, Oregon, and eventually served on the board of the Pittsburgh league. In May 2010, she was re-elected Democratic Party Committee Member, Allegheny County, 14th Ward. She has also been a member of the Food and Nutrition Committee, Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, and Pittsburgh United for Single Payer Health Care. Her pile of political T-shirts demonstrates her enthusiasm for progressive causes and civil rights, and many friends will remember her as one of Pittsburgh's infamous Raging Grannies and as one of the intrepid overnight campers at the city County Building in solidarity with the homeless. When she wasn't marching, singing out, or organizing, she and her companion Dick Neller could be found hiking, canoeing, ushering for local theater companies or enjoying concerts. Karen's life is a testament to the value of community, hope, and personal responsibility for making our world a better place.

Karen is survived by her daughters, sons, and their spouses: Elizabeth Peterson and Dave Eddy (Salt Lake City), Karrie Peterson and Amy West (St..Paul), and by her longtime and steadfast companion, Dick Neller.

The family suggests remembering Karen with a donation to Community Health Services Corporation, 374 Lawn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 or the cause of your choice.

Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc, 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street (412-621-)1665).

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Jan. 11, 2011.