Flora Petersen Sedgwick

Sedgwick, Flora Virginia Petersen Beloved mother and respected teacher Flora Virginia Petersen Sedgwick was born in 1918 to Danish immigrant parents, Carl Marius Petersen and Stella Wilhelmina Scharff Petersen. Although she won a full scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, Flora instead chose Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, because she wished to attend a Christian college. At Wheaton, Flora was elected to honor societies in forensics, journalism and education, and was awarded first place in Illinois Intercollegiate Oratory and third place in the Interstate Oratorical Competition. Some time after her graduation in 1940, Flora received a telegram from Grant Sedgwick, a research chemist whom she had met briefly four years earlier. Flora recounted later that she knew when she opened the telegram that Grant was the man she was going to marry. Flora and Grant wed in June, 1942 in a lovely outdoor ceremony that inaugurated a long and remarkably successful marriage. After the birth of their three children, Flora settled into a happy domesticity and became known for her delicious cooking, stylish home and infectious laughter. Flora's life changed radically in 1957 when she returned to academic life by enrolling in graduate school at the University of Minnesota to seek her master's degree in English and speech. After receiving her advanced degree, Flora taught at Minnehaha Academy where she inspired many students to reach beyond their grasp and to attain their highest dreams. She was given the Diamond Key Coach Award in 1969 by the National Forensic League for her extracurricular activities as Minnehaha's debate and speech coach. In 1971, Flora and Grant moved to Columbus, Ohio where Flora became an indispensable member of the faculty of the Columbus School for Girls. After retirement the couple moved to Falmouth, Massachusetts where they enjoyed an idyllic life by the seashore. In 1989, Flora and Grant moved to Covenant Village in Golden Valley. There Flora's vibrant presence radiated good cheer in both her home and church community. All who knew her remember her as a faithful friend, an unwavering humorist, and a woman of valor. Preceded in death by her husband and her daughter, Priscilla Mary Sedgwick. Flora is survived by her son, Peter Grant Sedgwick (Cecilia); daughter, Sara Elizabeth Sedgwick; and grandchildren, Amanda Sedgwick, Gabriel Sedgwick and Ophelia Frank. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at Bethlehem Covenant Church, 3141 43rd Ave South, Minneapolis, on Sunday, February 5, 2006 at 3:00 PM. Washburn-McReavy 763-537-2333

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Flora Petersen Sedgwick

February 5, 2006

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