Karen Jensen Peters

Karen Jensen Peters, age 77, passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. 

She is survived by her husband, William D. “Dean” Peters; daughter, Melia Peters Tourangeau and son-in-law, Michael Glenn Tourangeau; son, James Eric Peters and daughter-in-law, Rebecca Anne Peters, and five grandchildren, Olivia and Zacharie Tourangeau, and Gracie-Jane Hillman, Dylan and Joscelyn Peters. 

Karen was born in Rochester, New York, and met the love of her life, Dean, at the University of Iowa whereupon Karen went into teaching and followed her husband after their marriage in Denver, Colorado in 1969. They moved to Omaha, Nebraska where Dean was an intelligence officer with the Strategic Air Command of the United States Air Force, and Karen taught high school science.  The Viet-Nam War broke them apart, but they were reunited in Honolulu, Hawaii for five years where Melia (Plumeria Flower in Hawaiian) was born.  Jim came along after a transfer in the Air Force to Southern California. Five years later, Dean left the Air Force and the family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee where they started a small quick printing business and raised their family. 

College brought Melia to Oberlin College Conservatory with a degree in Piano Performance and ultimately to President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra after similar positions in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Salt Lake City, Utah.  Jim graduated from the University of Tennessee and is currently a Director of Engineering for a financial technology software company in Atlanta, Georgia.  Karen and Dean followed their daughter and son-in-law to Salt Lake City, Utah and ultimately to Pittsburgh where they have enjoyed retirement, their children and grandchildren, volunteer work with their church as well as with the Pittsburgh Symphony Association. 

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Road, Sewickley, PA 15143. A reception at her daughters home will follow the service.  In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to the St. Brendan’s Friends and Family (BFF) fund. This fund is used to provide for unbudgeted or extra-ordinary parish needs. Contributions are also appreciated for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Arrangements are under the direction of the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.