Ms. Sandra "Sandy" Petersen, 89, of Lillington passed away Monday, March 28, 2022 at Central Harnett Hospital in Lillington. She was born in West Orange, NJ, the daughter of the late Holger and Else Hansen Petersen. In addition to her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by sister, Winona Hamstra; husband, Elliott C. Raba; sons, Elliott Raba and Kevin Raba.

Sandy's favorite past time was to crochet many blankets, sweaters, and scarfs for everyone she met. She loved attending family picnics at Allaire State Park in New Jersey. She loved the beach and had fond memories of her time at Seaside Park in New Jersey. Sandy was an avid collector of elephants and never passed on the opportunity to add another to her collection. Christmas was a very special time to Sandy and her family. She enjoyed the Danish tradition of dancing around the Christmas tree, and Sandy loved to fill popcorn tins with cookies that she baked for days and sent them to family that could not join her for the holiday. Later in life, she moved to North Carolina to get away from the cold of the North and enjoy being a grandmother and raise her grandchildren.

Sandy is survived by her sister, Carla Smith of Florida; 5 sons, Peter Raba and wife Suzanne of Connecticut, Christopher Raba and wife Susan of Lillington, Doug Raba and wife Lois of Virginia, David C. Raba and fiancé Sherrie McNeill of Broadway, Keith Raba and wife Monica of Virginia; 21 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Sandra loved flowers while she was able to enjoy them; however in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local food bank in her name.