News Summary
Friends and family of June Rose Peterson gather to celebrate her extraordinary life marked by resilience, adventure, and unwavering compassion. Born in England and later moving to the U.S., June’s journey spanned numerous places as she devoted her life to building communities, spreading joy, and being a loving family member. As Aptos prepares for a Celebration of Life, her remarkable contributions and the love she shared will forever be cherished.
Aptos Honors a Beloved Community Member: Remembering June Rose Peterson
Born to Inspire
In the charming town of Aptos, the memory of June Rose Peterson shines brightly as friends and family reflect on her extraordinary life. Born on June 6, 1937, in Branston, England, June’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of connection, compassion, and adventure. Sadly, she passed away on August 9, 2025, at the age of 88, right on the day of her 34th wedding anniversary with her beloved husband, Paul Peterson.
A Childhood Marked by Resilience
June’s early years were shaped by the challenges of World War II, which brought about food scarcity and hardship. Despite these struggles, her spirit shone through, leading her to take a bold step at the age of 19. With a heart full of dreams, she traveled alone to the United States aboard the iconic Queen Mary.
A Journey Across the United States
June began her American journey in Michigan with her first husband. Little did she know that her adventures would take her across the country—from the sunny beaches of Huntington Beach, California to the scenic spots in Benicia, Louisiana, and various towns in Virginia and Texas. No matter where she moved, June had a gift for building communities. She spread joy by singing in Episcopal church choirs and volunteering at thrift stores, bringing smiles wherever she went.
A Woman of Many Talents
Before marrying Paul, June explored various careers. Her professional journey included roles as an antiques seller, employment placement counselor, manicurist, baby-sitter, and office manager. After her marriage to Paul, she briefly took on the role of an assistant schoolteacher but stayed true to her heart by continuing to babysit because of her deep love for children.
A Heartwarming Presence
Always remembered for her endearing smile and magnetic hazel eyes, June had an uncanny ability to attract friends and admirers wherever she went. Her love for family was evident, as she had four sons—Gregg, Mitchell, Keith, and Neil Aratin—whom she raised with devotion. After being a homemaker for two decades, June decided to embrace new beginnings following her divorce from Norman Aratin in 1977.
A Love Story that Blossomed
June’s heart found another home when she met Paul Peterson while working as a receptionist at an environmental firm. After a year of dating, they tied the knot on August 9, 1991, in beautiful Laguna Beach. During their years together, they shared a love for animals, adopting several dogs and cats, including a Labrador Retriever who simply followed her home.
Thoughtfulness and Style
June was truly one of a kind. She was a beacon of thoughtfulness, making sure she never missed a birthday, showering friends and family with heartfelt cards worldwide. Her passion for fashion extended to her love for shopping for hats, shoes, and clothes, always with a sense of style, no matter if she needed anything new.
Adventures and Treasures
In 2017, June and Paul finally retired, settling down in Aptos, California. They enjoyed traveling extensively through Europe and on many cruises, with cherished trips to Alaska, Italy, Paris, the Mediterranean, and Normandy. Daily walks with their dog in Seascape Park and warm meals together were some of the simple joys they cherished.
A Lasting Legacy
As she leaves behind countless mementos—a collection of family photos, concert ticket stubs from the legendary Frank Sinatra, 1984 Olympics tickets, and an array of tea cups and stuffed animals—June’s life is a beautiful mosaic of love and connection. She is survived by her husband, Paul Peterson, their beloved miniature dachshund Jenni, along with her four devoted sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald West, and sister, Kathleen Hickey.
Celebrating a Life Well-Lived
A Celebration of Life is set to take place on August 29, 2025, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California. Friends and family are invited to come together to honor June’s incredible journey, an everlasting reminder of the kindness and compassion she brought into the world.
In every heart she touched, June Rose Peterson’s memory will continue to live on, bridging connections and spreading smiles, just as she did throughout her amazing life.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Santa Cruz Sentinel: Paul Elerick Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Legacy: Ernest Winsor Obituary
- Google Search: June Rose Peterson
- Mercury News: Lloyd Lyle Rice Obituary
- Google Scholar: Community Memorials
- Santa Cruz Sentinel: Scott MacDonell Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- Legacy: Bradley MacDonald Obituary
- Google News: Local Obituaries
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
