Connie Marie Collins Petersen

Connie Marie Collins Petersen left this life surrounded by her loving family and her beloved dog Guinness. Born on August 30,1965, at St. Luke's in Boise, Idaho, she was the daughter of Carl and Ellen Collins, who were wonderful parents who loved her unconditionally. Her older brother Scott Collins who was her best friend who provided her with a lifetime of laughter and support.

Connie married her high school sweetheart and soulmate, Grant L. Petersen Jr., on June 6, 1987. Her greatest joy and proudest achievement was being a mother to their children, Brayden Petersen and Trinity Petersen. She adored watching them grow, supporting them in everything they did, and sharing life's adventures together. She found great happiness in Carly becoming her daughter in law and joining the family.

Her academic journey was impressive. She graduated from Boise High School in 1983 and went on to earn multiple degrees from Boise State University, including an Associate's Degree in Radiologic Sciences, a Bachelor’s Degree of Science, and a Master's Degree in Education. She also obtained a Master's Degree in Clinical Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University.

Professionally, she was a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). Connie had a diverse and impactful career in multiple fields. She worked as a CT and MRI Technologist at St. Alphonsus, served as an Adjunct Professor at Boise State University for the Radiology/CT/MRI Program, and authored multiple editions of anatomy textbooks with Elsevier Publishing. She also founded River Bend Counseling Practice, specializing in treating eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.

Her commitment to helping humans and animals was truly incredible. She established the Connie Petersen Computed Tomography Scholarship at Boise State University to support students in achieving their goals. She founded the Meridian Valley Humane Society and coordinated volunteer groups to care for abandoned dogs in Meridian, Idaho for nearly 10 years. She fostered countless dogs, many of whom she affectionately rehabilitated after major surgeries. Furthering her passion for helping animals, she served on the Board of Directors for the Idaho Humane Society for six years. She was also tremendously passionate about supporting women, she completed an internship at The City Light Home For Women. That internship inspired her to serve on the Board of Directors for the Syringa House.

Connie had a lifelong love for the outdoors and had an adventurous spirit. Growing up in Idaho, she enjoyed fishing, camping, and riding motorcycles with her family. She was an accomplished athlete throughout her life, participating in volleyball, track, softball, and cheerleading in Junior High and High School. As an adult, she competed in hockey and indoor soccer with her children. She was particularly passionate about hiking, some of her favorites being the Rainbow Basin trail by Big Trinity Lake, trails around Stanley, and trails in Yosemite National Park. She also cherished once-in-a-lifetime trips that included traversing stunning glaciers in Iceland with her children and walking the iconic Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

Connie wanted to be remembered for her passion for nature and animals, her adventurous spirit, her deep love for family and friends, and her kind and loving soul.

Her life is best summarized by her favorite quote: "We can't heal the world today, but we can begin with a voice of compassion, a heart of love, and an act of kindness." – Mary Davis

Connie lived these words with intention every day and left an indelible mark on her community and all who knew her. Her wish is that we all lead our lives with compassion, kindness, and love for nature that sustains us and for all of those around us.

Connie is survived by her parents Carl and Ellen Collins, her children Brayden and Trinity Petersen, daughter-in-law Carly Petersen, soulmate Grant L Petersen Jr., brother and sister-in-law Scott and Kendra Collins, nephews Colton and Jayden Collins, her beloved dog Guinness, and her grandpets Buckeye, Bunker, and Adidas.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor her extraordinary legacy on April 18th at the Stueckle Sky Center at Boise State University from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Concluding with a sunset toast to celebrate the adventurous life of a spectacular friend, wife, daughter, and mom.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Idaho Humane Society or the Connie Petersen Computed Tomography Scholarship at Boise State University.

To donate to her scholarship fund, visit give.boisestate.edu and search Petersen Computed Tomography Radiology.