Judith Ann Sweetman Peterson, loving wife, mother and Nana, went to dance in the Heavens unexpectedly, but peacefully, at her home in Seaside on the afternoon of January 9, 2008. She was born August 14, 1941 at the old Community Hospital in Carmel to Russell and Elsie Sweetman. Judy lived in Pacific Grove until the death of her mother in 1951. After the passing of her mother, Judy and her father moved to Hollister a few years later, where she graduated from Hollister High School, Class of ’59.
Moving back to the Monterey Peninsula, Judy raised her children and made her home on Via Descanso in Monterey. She went to work at Community Hospital as an x-ray technician for several years before starting numerous successful businesses. The Old Carmel Smoke House and Jetstream ATM were just two of these thriving endeavors. Jetstream ATM enabled Judy to travel all around the country setting up ATM networks primarily out of Orlando, Chicago, New York, Dallas, New Orleans, Los Angeles and Northern California. This highly successful business was just an example of her tenacious, outgoing personality that resonated with all those who knew her, as well as strangers alike. Judy’s altruistic approach with everything in life was so evident in the countless hours she volunteered to others, never expecting anything in return.
Judy’s favorite pastimes included organizing family trips to the Big Sur area, where she had many camping trips as a little girl. She relished bringing this tradition to her own family, and created many wonderful memories there. Judy loved to search for unique pieces of jewelry, adding to her beautiful collection. She enjoyed making trips to Chukchansi to try her luck at the slots. Some of her most cherished times were with her beloved husband during their road trips together to various spots around the country, as well as cruising in Alaska, and many vacations to Hawaii.
Judy is survived by the Loves of her Life – soul mate, partner and Best Friend, her husband, David Peterson. Her proudest legacies and successes – precious, beloved daughter, Laura Lynn Martignoni Ruggieri of Monterey, devoted and loving son, Randall McGregor of El Paso, Texas, dedicated and loyal son-in-law, Patrick Ruggieri of Monterey, the apple of her eye – granddaughter, Jessica Judith Furman, of Monterey, sweet cherished granddaughter, Gina Lynn Ruggieri of Etters, Pennsylvania, her special cousin Marion Martignoni of Pacific Groveand like a second mother, whom she adored, Mary Painter, of Roseburg, OR. Judy was preceded in death by her Mother, Father, Uncle Ivan Painter, Aunt Joan Twyman, and Brother-in-law Ben Martignoni.
Nana’s legacy and love will live in us all forever. She will be missed more than words written here can describe; her contagious laugh, her beautiful smile, her touch, her smell – she will live in our hearts for eternity. Her perseverance in life, and her remarkable gift of enriching the lives of every one who knew her is an inspiration to us all and will be sorrowfully missed but treasured forever. When you look at the moon, know she is there, and feel the warmth and comfort of one of her hugs she so generously gave to us all. Until we meet again, Dear Nana, We Love You, We Miss You and We Will Forever Honor You. “Remember to Dance”!
A Celebration of Judy’s Life for family and friends will be held at 1 o’clock on Saturday January 19th at 35 Via Descanso, Monterey.
In lieu of flowers, please make any contributions or donations in Judy’s name to the Community Hospital Foundation or to The American Heart Association.
