Kelly Jo Ann Michelle Petersen

Kelly Jo Ann Michelle Petersen, 66, of Federal Way Washington passed away on May 26th, 2026, in Seattle, Washington surrounded by her loving husband and two children. Kelly was born June 20th, 1959, in Great Fall Montana to Dianna "Fluff" and Donald Preston, the fifth of their eight children, Kelly could have easily been "lost in the crowd". Instead, with her bubbly personality and irresistible smile, she brought the crowd to her. As a toddler, she was an honorary cheerleader-uniform and all for the local high school basketball team. She fearlessly kept up with her four older siblings (and dozens of cousins): climbing the steps of a playground slide, only to fall back down-and go right back up again; speeding downhill on her brother's Stingray bicycle, flying over the handlebars, and sporting the scar of her bravery for weeks afterward.

Kelly's tender side was equally strong. She was always drawn to babies-as they were to her. Perhaps because she was not only a little sister, but a big sister too. Her love for babies included the kittens, chicks and other baby animals she could be found playing with on her grandparents' farm.

When she moved from Montanna to Seattle in the first grade, she continued to shine her light on siblings, neighborhood kids and a passel of friends. As the third daughter in a row, she was used to "hand-me-downs". She was well-versed in hard work and no stranger to adversity. At 15, she got her first job at the Burien Arctic Circle. By age 16, she bought herself a brand-new Ford Mustang-no small feat for a girl still in school.

Kelly's true calling in life came in November of 1979 when she gave birth to her eldest of two children, Nellie. In May of 1981, her youngest child, Ricky was born. Kelly married her life's companion in February of 1987, Mark Petersen. Kelly began her nearly two-decade career in tax preparation for a family business, Strauser and Company.

For Kelly, family was first and foremost, so it was no surprise when they bought their family home on 9th Ave S. directly across the street from her parents. Kelly spent the next decade devoting her spare time to her two children's activities. For Nellie, Softball, Drill team and Cheer. For Ricky, Baseball and ice hockey. If being in two places at once to cheer on both her kids' in their activities conflicting schedules, Kelly made it happen. Yearly family vacations were extremely important with Lake Chelan and Disneyland being favorite destinations. New Year's Eve board games with family were a must. The best word to describe Kelly as a mother: Selfless, as she gave everything and expected nor asked for anything in return.

In 2003, Kelly retired from Strauser and Company to become full time "Nana" Kelly shortly after the birth of her first of eight grandchildren; the center of her new-found world. Kelly immersed herself in each of her grandchildren's lives, devoted to attending and supporting them in their band concerts, baseball, football Volleyball, and hockey games, jujitsu and cheer. Always the first to greet them with her contagious smile and loving hug after receiving academic achievement awards. Kelly instilled the value of family in those closest to her. She was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by those fortunate to have called her friend, sister, wife, mom and most importantly "Nana"!

Kelly is preceded in death by her parents Diana and Donald Preston. She is survived by: Husband Mark Petersen, Daughter Nellie Borgomainerio, Son Ricky Petersen, her eight grandchildren Bryson, Aydin, Tristan, Hollis, Chase, Luca, Declan and Kohen, Son in Law Anthony Borgomainerio, daughter in Law Trisha Petersen, and seven siblings Paul, Randy, Kathy, Colleen, Chuck, Shawn and Laureen.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Sumner Cemetery.