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Jeanne M. Peterson, beloved Mother, Wife, and friend passed away peacefully on December 13th, 2021, at the age of 94. She was the daughter of William and Pearl Mae Ruther (Parsons) born on January 27, 1927, St. Charles Hospital, Aurora, IL.
Jeanne Graduated 1944 from East Aurora High School. After High School she attended University of Illinois where she was a member of Theta Upsilon Sorority, and later married Delbert Peterson September 10, 1949, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Aurora, IL.
They moved to Batavia in 1951, and built their family home on Maple Lane. They raised seven children together as Jeanne supported Delbert and his career in watercolor and commercial art, and in their business, Delbert Peterson Advertising. She was a Brownie leader and a Cub and Girl Scout leader. She was a member of the Batavia Women’s Club and sold real estate before deciding to get her teaching degrees. Jeanne returned to college and received her Master’s Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University. She taught at Batavia Junior High School and became a reading specialist in Carol Stream, Illinois District 93 for 20 years. After retiring to Vero Beach in 1994, she volunteered at the Sebastian Elementary School as a reading specialist.
Jeanne was very active in numerous service Clubs. She was Teachers Union President, President of the local AAUW, President of the Federation of Women’s Clubs, Panhellenic, President of the Vero Beach Art Club, as well as the photographer, and PR Liaison, giving countless hours to shows, exhibits, and the Under the Oaks and Art by the Sea events each year. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia before retiring to Vero Beach and joining Our Savior Lutheran Church, Vero Beach. She was indeed, always active.
In addition to all her volunteer work, she and Delbert spent time traveling the World. Jeanne journaling their travels and Delbert photographing them. The lesson she said she learned the hard way was to “always be on time for the bus when you’re on a tour.” And to her children “Always follow through and don’t give up”.
She was preceded in death by her loving Husband Delbert Peterson of 71 years who passed in 2020. Jeanne is cherished deeply and will be greatly missed by seven children, Janis Rogers (Ron) of Batavia, Illinois, JoAnn Metz (Scott) of Englewood, FL, David Peterson (Diana) of Vero Beach, FL, Carol Waldron (Jesse) of Oak Point, Texas, Mark Peterson (Cathy) of Compton, Illinois, Gwen Turner (Toby) of Vero Beach, FL, and Elizabeth Franklin of Big Rock, Illinois, 23 Grandchildren and 23 Great-Grand Children.
She has left lasting memories for so many lives. Her strength and devotion will never be forgotten.
Interment will be at River Hills Memorial Park, Batavia, Illinois. A family celebration of life for Delbert and Jeanne will be held at a later date in Illinois.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Linda Stuber - Friend
December 22, 2021, 11:50 pm
Your mother was a wonderful woman. I wish I had known her. God’s peace be with you and your family.
Jo Metz
December 23, 2021, 3:26 pm
Our mom was a gift. She never gave up on any of us kids. She always encouraged and gave us hope in all things. She looked at life in a truthful way and kept high standards for herself. Mom always had time to talk and offered wisdom. She and Dad were so active in their retirement, I used to think that they were busier than I was in my day-to-day work life. I am thankful she was my mom.
Lois Miles - Fellow branch member
December 26, 2021, 2:40 am
Jeanne’s contributions to the local branch of the American Association of University Women are deeply appreciated and will be long remembered. She served for many years as a committee chair and Board member and was a staunch supporter of programs which enriched the lives of women and girls. Her many friends will miss her.
Nancy Smith Hopp - friend
December 26, 2021, 8:53 pm
Jeanne was an amazing woman of strength, skill, and passion – for art, learning, and family. Both Jeanne and Del were invaluable supporters as I pursued my Ruth Ford biography and a friendship with their dear friend, Lee DuSell, in Syracuse, NY. I deeply loved them both and enjoyed our occasional visits to Vero Beach even more because of them. I’m fortunate to have a few Peterson prints plus an original gracing my walls. Thanks to the Peterson “kids” for sharing their parents – beautiful role models for us all.
Mary Ficarratto Bacon - Cousin
December 27, 2021, 9:14 pm
I have such fond memories of both Jeanne and Delbert from the times the Norwegian relatives would get together. That was a long time ago, but the pleasant memories remain fresh. I hope they are all together having Lefse and Kringla. Mary Ficarratto Bacon