Sue Ellen Petersen

On Christmas morning, Friday, December 25, 2020, Sue Ellen Petersen, loving wife and mother of three children was freed from her 16+ year cancer battle at the age of 66. She passed away peacefully at home with her wife, Joyce Freschauf, by her side. She is preceded in death by her father, Philip Ronald Petersen and her mother, Ann Taylor (Almon) Yocum Petersen Pratt. She is survived by her mom Laura Wachtler Petersen; brother Bradley Philip Petersen; sister Rebecca Ann (Fred) Petersen Shultz; daughter Denise Michelle Morgan; sons Jon Michael Morgan and Matthew Eric (Martha) Morgan; grandson Michael Landis Morgan; along with three nieces and one nephew.

She was born in 1954 in Cutbank, Montana and then moved with her family to Geneva, Switzerland from 1962-1966 when her father relocated for work. From there she and her family relocate to Elyria, Ohio, where she graduated from Elyria High School in 1972. Sue graduated from Grant Hospital School of Nursing in 1975, and practiced in labor and delivery at Grant Hospital. Ultimately Sue left Nursing to pursue her CPA studying at Columbus State Community College and University of Phoenix, where she received her Bachelor's degree. Sue went into private practice as a CPA for many years before becoming the Finance Director for the Columbus AIDS Task Force (Equitas Health) from 2001-2007. Sue then became the CFO at IMPACT Community Action Agency beginning in 2007.

She was married to Joyce Freschauf from 2008, together since 2003, until her death. Sue courageously battled both Burkitt’s Lymphoma and then Breast Cancer, fighting until the very end, while always remaining loving, caring, upbeat and positive. She was an amazing mother, wife, animal lover, and enjoyed camping with her wife and friends. Sue was hardworking, balancing her regular work load with her private CPA practice and her charitable endeavors. The organizations Sue supported included IMPACT Community Action Agency, The Columbus AIDS Task Force, The Lesbian Business Association, Lesbians Benefitting the Arts, The Ohio Lesbian Festival, Equality Ohio, BRAVO and the United Way Pride Leadership. Special thanks goes out to her IMPACT team for their unwavering support, The Spielman Center Doctors, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses and the rest of her very extended medical team for their excellent medical care, and finally to Kindred Hospice for their care and support in her last days.

In lieu of flowers, should you wish to make a donation, they can be made to IMPACT Community Actions at https:/bit.ly/38hiO8c

Sue is a light that will never go dark, so please join her family in this celebration on August 22, 2021 at Hannah Park, 6547 Clark State Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 from 4:30-7:30pm. Sue requested an outdoor gathering filled with friends, fun, and food. We will hold true to her request and have Roosters Food Truck along with drinks, dessert, music and as many friends as possible.

Please RSVP, comment or leave questions through the Facebook Invitation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sue Ellen Petersen, please visit our floral store.