Kari Jean Peterson

Kari Jean Peterson, born in Buffalo, NY, on September 22, 1956, passed peacefully after a long battle with breast cancer in Sarasota, FL, on June 11, 2024, with her family by her side.

Kari was predeceased by her beloved parents, Alan A. Peterson and Maryann F. Peterson. She is survived by her daughter Dana Maria Summers [Kevin Summers] and son William Joseph Bosso III [Talicia Correa Bosso]; her three cherished grandchildren—Brooklyn Summers, Madalyn Summers, and William Bosso IV; her sisters Kim Peterson [Max Miller] and Kyle Pyne, and her brother Alan Peterson.

Kari loved adventure, the outdoors, and traveling. Her family was the center of her world, and she loved them fiercely. Her friends remember her for her infectious laugh and the warmth she brought into their lives.

Growing up in the country in upstate New York, Kari enjoyed ice skating on the pond behind her childhood home, building forts, and riding her pink Schwinn bike up and down the road. Kari attended Williamsville North High School and graduated in 1974. She had a great sense of humor, thanks to her dad, and loved to play a good joke on her family. As a child, some of her favorite times were spent at camp, where she made lasting memories and friendships. Kari was determined to keep the spirit of the camp alive, guaranteeing her favorite camp songs would live on by teaching them to her kids and grandchildren. These simple joys of her childhood shaped her adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors.

Kari was a woman who impacted those around her and thrived on creating relationships. She was an accomplished businesswoman who served as a communications executive and change management consultant for Fortune 500 companies before transitioning to a career coach and resume expert. Her expert skills, encouragement, and personal touch left lasting impressions, frequently guiding people to find meaningful careers.

Kari's life was a journey across the United States, from upstate New York to the bustling streets of NYC, the mountains of Colorado, soaking up time with grandkids in Texas, Georgia, and Northern Virginia, and finally, the sunny shores of Florida. She could be a city girl enjoying fine dining and theatre, or she could throw on her skis or hiking boots to explore the beauty of the Colorado mountains, grab her golf clubs, or soak in the beauty of the sunset with her toes in the sand. Her love for the outdoors was evident in everything she did.

Kari's creativity shone through her pottery, and she found joy in holistic healing. She loved hosting gatherings and bringing together friends and family. Her strength was unmatched, as was her passion and incredible ability to connect with others – always going out of her way to learn and remember someone’s name. Her positive outlook and mantra, “KTF (Keep The Faith),” guided her through life’s challenges, and she held true to this until her last breath.

Kari's vibrant spirit and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, and her legacy of joy and laughter will continue to inspire those she touched.

A celebration of Kari’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to causes that held a special place in her heart:

For her love of Colorado and adventure: Colorado Parks and Wildlife: https://www.mightycause.com/d…

This organization was instrumental in her care, and she constantly sang their praises:

For the grandkids and others who might want to visit, a Memorial Bench or Tree planted in her favorite park in Virginia: (TBD)

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