Jacqueline LaVonne Peterson Wariner

Jacqueline LaVonne Peterson Wariner, 60, died Sept. 2, 2012.

A celebration of life for the longtime Alaskan is at 2 p.m., Sept. 15 at Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla. All are welcome to pay their respects and are invited to share stories of the fun and good times we had in the yester years of Alaska’s territorial pipeline days.

Jacqueline was born on April 16, 1952, in Billings, Mont., to Jack Peterson and Beverly Mattson. Soon after the birth of little sister Susan in December 1953, adventure and opportunity beckoned the young couple. So, along with Uncle Victor and Grandma Fern Guild, they started up a new highway called the Alaska Highway for the Territory of Alaska, known as the Last Frontier.

They settled in the Hamilton Acres area of Fairbanks next door to the boy who would later be her husband and love until the end. They went through Nordale Grammar School together, but wouldn’t meet up again until years later, after which he said he liked her because she would climb trees.

She was very athletic. Before moving in 1964 she was written up in the Daily News Miner for winning first place in a cross-country ski competition. After graduation from Yakima High School she came back and worked in grandma Fern’s restaurant in Valdez. In Anchorage, she became a part of the first women’s softball team at Chilkoot Charlie’s.

With a fearless zest for life, she was often seen at Alyeska, Big Lake or a concert. At home or traveling, Jackie was the first one on the beach, in the sunshine, diving, snorkeling, surfing, Jet Skiing or waterskiing, and usually the last on in. Jacqueline’s easy smile and eagerness to instigate laughter attracted young and old alike.

Jacqueline was dedicated to her work and had a noticeable, well-dressed and colorful style. She worked in many positions and fields receiving numerous credits, awards, accommodations and recognition. With a blurring typing speed, she was recognized to have accurately processed 2,000 documents in one day. As were other members of the family, she was proud to have participated in a few projects such as the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the Valdez clean up, Big Lake fire and Project Hope.

Surviving are her husband, son, brother, brother-in-law, children and grandchildren (Chudnofsky family).

Preceding her in death were her grandma, father, uncle and sister.

Jacqueline knew many people. People who wish may visit alaskanfuneral.com and leave condolences that will remain on the website permanently. God bless you one and all.

Arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory. A guestbook and obituary are online at alaskanfuneral.com.