Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series:
Tribute
Folder:
DIG
Item:
271360
Title:
Camille Peterson
Date:
5/13/1943-8/5/2024
Creator:
Inscription/Marks:
5/13/1943
Summary:
Camille Lee Peterson, 81, of Watford City, ND, formerly of Froid, MT, and Leeds, ND, passed away August 5, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Home in Watford City. Her funeral Mass was held August 16, 2024, at the Epiphany Catholic Church in Watford City. Father Jacob Degele officiated. Honoring Camille’s wishes, cremation followed the service. Inurnment was at St. Vincent’s Catholic Cemetery at a later date in Leeds.
Camille Lee Peterson was born on May 13, 1943, to Orvis (Bud) and Georgia (Violett) Mickelson of Leeds. Camille grew up a “town girl” and went to all of her years of school – elementary through high school in Leeds. She often told stories about being an only child, one favorite story being that she would often save her presents from birthdays and Christmases to open days later so that they would last longer; this would drive her friends crazy. She also loved it when there would be a snow day and her cousins from the Straabe family would be able to come and have a spontaneous sleepover. Since there were 16 in that family, there was a good chance the household would be filled with lots of fun and laughter.
Graduating from high school in 1961, she first went to college for a year at NDSU, but then transferred to Minot State University where she would later obtain a degree in education. It was while in Minot that she met Terry Peterson – the love of her life from Powers Lake.
Terry and Camille were united in marriage on August 8, 1965. They started their life together living in Richey, MT, where they began their teaching careers. After three years they decided to move a bit north and went to Froid, MT. It was shortly after that their daughter Terrille was born. Camille enjoyed staying home with her and supporting Terry while he coached for the Cardinals. She even supported her husband when he had the notion to move to Detroit Lakes, MN, after being gone one weekend. This move, however, was short lived as they moved right back to the same house they left in Froid one year later.
Once Terrille was in school, Camille continued her profession as an educator. She taught a variety of classes through the years. She enjoyed teaching JH English and Home Economics, but finally found her niche in teaching 6th grade. The lives she touched are numerous. She was a loyal friend, supportive co-worker, and passionate teacher, who had a lasting impact on several generations of students at FPS. Camille was always there to give valued advice and was a shoulder to lean on for her daughter Terrille as she was, and still is, the best role model anyone could ask for.
Camille was a member of the Round Tuit Homemakers Club, was a Girl Scout leader, and helped with the Froid Community Fund drive for many years. While working, Camille was able to do all these things and still not blink an eye when it came to entertaining Terrille and her friends after school and before games. In her free time, she often was seen with pencil and paper in hand, redesigning rooms in their homes and coming up with visions for Terry to make happen. Camille was so proud of what Terry could build and remodel.
In their retirement, Terry and Camille enjoyed traveling. Her favorite destination involved sporting events. She loved to go wherever her grandchildren Trey or Tarynn were playing as she was so extremely proud of both of them and their accomplishments. This is actually what brought Terry and Camille to buy their first southern home in Watford City – she didn’t want to miss an event. While traveling, Camille also made sure their car was easy to spot and proudly taped signs to support her grandkids’ sports teams in their car front window. These signs were never taken down.
Once the sports’ schedules slowed down, Arizona became their new winter home. Camille loved to entertain family and friends when they would come to visit and she thoroughly enjoyed the company of all their dear friends while soaking up the Arizona sun.
Her small family was everything to Camille. Her most favorite role in life came more recently with the birth of her great-grandchildren, first Nash (2) and then Kyrie (4 months). Several special visits occurred at “GG’s house” in Watford City that had her playing with trucks and reading books. She always had the BIGGEST smile on her face when they were around. She loved them so much.
Camille will be remembered for her compassion, strength, love and dedication. No words can describe how much she will be missed.
Camille is survived by her daughter, Terrille (Todd); grandson, Trey; granddaughter, Tarynn (Brody); great-grandchildren, Nash and Kyrie; and several cousins and close friends. She is also survived by the many students that she cared about who once called her Mrs. Peterson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Terry; her parents, Orvis (Bud) and Georgia Mickelson; two infant sons; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Red ID: FND_I_78851 Image ID: 517224 Image Notes: FND001 271360
