Lotus I. Pedersen's Obituary
Lotus I. Pedersen died peacefully at her home in Oakland, CA and a resident of Alameda County for over 90 years. Like her namesake flower, Lotus Inger Pederson lived her life with poise, dignity, passion and constant quest for rediscovery. Born in Raymond, CA (Madera County) – September 1914 ' she grew up with loving parents and an adoring younger sister, Archene. Strong will and determination, traits inherited from her mother, built the foundation for the rest of her life. Although coming of age through the Great Depression, she never let her dreams and aspirations fall by the way side. Lotus, a lady known never to settle for status quo, but to always forge ahead and achieve notable accomplishment and/or personal triumph. With her true entrepreneurial spirit she never let anything stand in her way or obstacles distract her – when she set her mind on something, she did it.In late '40's, she became a Registered Dental Hygienist, and graduated with a Master's Degree from UC Berkeley achieving Phi Kappa Beta honors in the 50’s, became one of the first female UCB professors in English and Fine Arts. Later she further expanded her education and earned credentials from Mills College and later even became a California Real Estate Broker.She was blessed with the birth of her only daughter ' Carol Lee. Her husband Peter O. Pedersen Sr., a prominent Bay Area businessman preceded her in death in 1996.Retiring in the late '70's, she made her new home at Lake Park Residence in Oakland, CA and quickly engaged herself with the residential community council. In addition to representing residents' rights, she volunteered her time and exceptional green thumb to the creation, development and maintenance of the Lake Park Rooftop Gardens as photographed and published in Sunset magazine.Lotus always believed everyone should be treated equally and fought for their rights. A glass ceiling was non-existent in her mindset. She was an eloquent writer, prize-winning artist, dynamic philosopher, insightful debater and fabulous gardener.In 1991, Lotus celebrated a spiritual re-awakening when she joined the Rigpa Buddhist organization and began a journey into Buddhism. About seven years later, she met Ven. Sogan Rinpoche who became her beloved spiritual guide for the rest of her life. Inspiring many as one of the oldest students in the US to dedicate herself to the Buddhist path, she encouraged countless others and actively participated in Sogan Rinpoche's Buddhist organization, Tupten Osel Choling .Lotus continued a legacy of strong-willed women living as the matriarch of 5 generations ' her daughter Carol (preceded in death, 2009) and is survived by granddaughters Laurie & Janine, great-granddaughters Jeannette, Giovanna & Sara, great-grandson Michael and great-great granddaughters Alessandra, Ava & Nevaeh. She is also survived by her step-son Peter, step-granddaughter Sandy, step-grandsons Peter, Mark (deceased), John, Matthew (deceased) and nephews Paul & Lauren, in addition to many, many loving close friends and extended family.Grandma – We love you! You have left us with such a phenomenal legacy – Thank you! We were blessed to have you and will miss you terribly!In lieu of flowers, the family graciously appreciates any donations made in her honor to the one of the following tax deductiblecharities Tupten Osel Choling foundation, Doctors without Borders or American Cancer Society.A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 16, 2012 at Lake Park Retirement Residence in Oakland.
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