MANALAPAN — Lisa Petersen, who served 18 years as Manalapan’s town clerk, died surrounded by family on July 21 after suffering an injury. She was 70.
Town Manager Eric Marmer said Mrs. Petersen was “a familiar, trusted presence to generations of residents, elected officials, and staff” in town.
“Throughout her many years of service, Lisa cared deeply about Manalapan and the people who call it home,” Marmer said in a message to town residents. “Her dedication, institutional knowledge, and commitment to the town left a lasting impact on our community, and she will be remembered fondly by the many people whose lives she touched.”
Mrs. Petersen was preceded in death by her parents, Jo Ann Swint and Robert L. Swint, her brother Richard Swint, and her son, John Thomas Petersen.
Lisa Swint was born on Nov. 5, 1955, in Columbia, South Carolina. She attended the University of South Carolina and graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising. She met her husband of 47 years, Thomas Petersen, at FSU.
Mrs. Petersen lived in North Palm Beach and had a long career in Manalapan, retiring in 2022. In that role, she served as “concierge, referee, researcher, big sister, ambassador and, yes, municipal clerk,” according to a story about her retirement in The Coastal Star.
Former Mayor Keith Waters, who worked closely with her during his six years leading the town, called her “absolutely stellar and one of the more interesting people I’ve ever met.”
Waters recalled that “on an individual level, she knew the people.” She knew their addresses, too, she said in the story about her retirement.
“I have this thing for numbers,” she said. “I can tell you everyone’s house number. It’s terrible because I use valuable brain cells for information I could easily look up.”
The clerk’s job was not an easy one, Waters said. “She did it with such grace and style and calm. She was such a kind and compassionate person in every situation,” he said. “It didn’t matter what the problem was, she’d say ‘there’s a solution, don’t worry, we’ll get there.’”
Former Mayor Stewart Satter said she “helped shape the character of our town through her years of devoted service.” She “carried out her responsibilities with integrity, grace and genuine care for the residents she served,” he said.
Mrs. Petersen’s daughter, Erika Petersen, succeeded her as town clerk and still serves in that position.
Mrs. Petersen’s greatest joys were spending time with her daughter, playing with her grandchildren, enjoying live music and watching Atlanta Bravesbaseball. In her free time, she enjoyed volunteering at her grandson’s elementary school and participating in water aerobics.
She is survived by her husband and daughter; her son-in-law, Julio Mejia; grandsons Soren Mejia and Holden Mejia; brother Robert A. Swint; and six loving nieces.
The family thanks friends for their generous support, as well as the ICU staff at St. Mary’s Medical Center for their exceptional care, compassion and support.
She will be greatly missed and forever remembered for her beautiful smile, the family said. The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date.
— Staff report
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