District 15 mourns passing of Dana Petersen

Marion Jordan School Principal Dana Petersen passed away Sunday, June 26, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mrs. Petersen, who had been on leave for the past year, had been Marion Jordan's principal for the past 10 years. She began her career in District 15 in August 1992 when she accepted a second-grade teaching position at Kimball Hill School. She held that position for two years, and was then named building assistant at Gray M. Sanborn School in August 1994. Then, in June 2001, she was named Marion Jordan's principal.

She held a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Simpson College, and a master's degree in educational administration from National Louis University.

“Dana Petersen was an exceptional educator who dedicated her career to teaching children and making a positive difference in their lives,” said Superintendent Scott Thompson. “She will be greatly missed, as her contributions to the education of our community's youth were far-reaching. She touched the lives of countless students over the course of her nearly 20-year career in District 15, and their memories of her, like her influence on them, will inspire them for years to come.”

Mrs. Petersen was 49 years old. She is survived by her husband, Tom, and their two daughters, Emily and Carli.

Visitation for Mrs. Petersen will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, July 1, and a memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, July 1. Both will take place at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 E. Main Street, Barrington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the District Fifteen Educational Foundation in memory of Dana Petersen for the benefit of Marion Jordan School. Donations can be sent to 580 N. 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067.