PETERSEN, EMMA - Emma Marie Petersen of New Denmark, NB passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Grand Falls General Hospital on Sunday, July 24, 2005 after a long fight with cancer and other illnesses. Emma was born on July 23, 1939 and had just had her 66th birthday when she died. She lived all her life in New Denmark. She was the daughter of the late Clara Petersen. Emma devoted her life to caring for her mother and her uncles James and Wilfred Petersen, all of whom predeceased her. She was a familiar face at many community events and had a world of friends and acquaintances. Emma was a gregarious, outgoing person and knew nearly everyone in town. Everyone knew Emma. She was loved for her warm and generous ways and fun-loving nature. During her prime she walked everywhere to visit with friends and attend events. Emma was a familiar sight walking from place to place along the roads of the area with her large black bag full of knitting. Her hand-knitted socks, slippers, and mittens were much sought after. In April 1883 Emma's grandfather, Hans Peter Petersen, emigrated from Vaerslo, Denmark to New Denmark as a young boy with his father, mother and siblings. All of her life Emma lived on the original family homestead granted to Hans Peter by the Province of New Brunswick as part of the New Brunswick Free Grants Act of 1868 to encourage immigration from Scandinavia. Emma is survived by several second cousins, all of whom are the grandchildren of Hans Peter's brothers and sisters. The grandchildren of Hans Peter's sister Laurina (Lena) Petersen Dierks Crabtree include Allen Frederick Crabtree III of Sebago, Maine, Allen Frederick Crabtree II of Saugus, Massachusetts, Edward F. Crabtree of Effingham, New Hampshire, Beatrice Crabtree of Lynn, Massachusetts, and Lena Adrienne Crabtree Gregorio of Saco, Maine. Grandchildren of Hans Peter's brother Ludvig Ferdinand Petersen include Madeline Petersen Pedersen and Reta Petersen Pelletier of New Denmark, Irene Paulsen Clarke and Shirley Petersen of Fredericton, New Brunswick, and Leon Petersen of Toronto, Ontario. Emma also has cousins near Copenhagen, Denmark. The family wants to thank all of the well-wishers who have called, visited, and sent cards, flowers, and prayers during Emma's long illnesses, and the doctors, nurses and staff who have cared for her at the Grand Falls, St. John and Edmundston hospitals. Visiting hours will be held at O'Regan's Funeral Home, 515 Everard H, Daigle Blvd., Grand Falls from 2:00 till 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2005. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2005 at St. Ansgar's Anglican Church in New Denmark with Reverend Julie Ann Armstrong officiating. Internment will follow at the St. Ansgar's cemetery adjoining. The family has requested any donations be made to St. Ansgar's building fund.