Jean Elizabeth Peterson
June 22, 1923 - January 5, 2009
Obituary
Jean Elizabeth Peterson
Jean Elizabeth Peterson nee’ Gallagher age 85, passed away Monday, January 5, 2009, in Puyallup, Washington. Born to Charles and Carrie Gallagher on June 22, 1923, Jean grew up in the Bucoda and Centralia areas, later graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in nursing and a desire to help others. Jean raised five children and then resumed her nursing career at West Seattle and Highline Community Hospitals, retiring in 1991.
Jean’s family and friends remember her compassionate and welcoming spirit. Her door and her heart were always open to all. We remember her love of nature, gardening, music and literature which she shared with her children and grandchildren alike. Jean had an adventurous personality, taking on the challenge in 1966 of driving three young children across country and back in a move to the east coast for a year. Always willing to learn new things in order to stay connected to her children, grandchildren, and her extended family and friends, Jean used the computer for email and research.
Jean moved to Puyallup in 2007 to be closer to family, but always considered Burien her home where she resided for fifty years. After her children grew up, Jean kept active by volunteering at Gregory Heights Elementary School, the Pike Place Market Foot Clinic, and the Burien Library. She enjoyed attending her weekly current events class and volunteering at the library, and participating in Senior College classes through Highline Community College.
She is survived by her adoring children and their families: Lynn Peterson, husband Robert Williams and children Jonathan, Katherine, and Elizabeth of Tallahassee, Florida; Lee Gallagher, husband Robert Bushorn and children Annada husband Adam and Claire of Cincinnati, Ohio; Peter and Judy Peterson and daughter Jessie of Kent, Washington; Chuck and Corie Peterson and son Jaden of Mesa, Arizona; Susan and Stan Adkins and children Luke, Haleigh, and Drew of Puyallup, Washington. In addition to her immediate family, Jean leaves many cherished friends.
Jean led an exemplary life of service to others yet maintained her independence almost to the end – we should all be so fortunate.
A celebration service will be held Sunday, January 11, 2009 at 2:00pm at Bonney-Watson Parker Chapel, 900 SW 146th St. Burien, Washington 98166 206 244-2320.
Dear Lynn and family, I was so sad to hear of the loss of your mother and grandmother. Thank you for sharing your memories of your mother through the memorial presentation. The music and photographs seemed to capture her spirit of love. It was a joy to see so many photographs filled with your mother smiling, hugging, and being hugged! During all the years we’ve known each other, I’ve enjoyed hearing your stories about your flying into Seattle to visit with your mother, stories which were always tinged with excitement. Your mother seemed wonderfully kind, and I know you and your family will miss her. But, oh, what fine memories you have! May these memories comfort you always. Nancy Hubener
Lynn and family–so sorry to hear of the passing your mother/grandmother..you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynn and family; I am sorry for the passing of your mother, grandmother and friend. I have only met Mrs. Peterson once or twice during her visits to Tallahassee, but felt like I knew her well from the stories Lynn would share about her summer visits to Seattle and family gatherings. Her joy and adventure for life lives on through her children, grandchildren. Lynn, your mother was a remarkable person. Cherish each memory; she will live forever in your hearts.
Love,
Stacy
So sorry for your loss. Even though I only met Mrs. Peterson a few times, it was easy to see that she was a very special person. I’ll never forget her hospitality to our family during our visit to Seattle in 1998.
Jean Peterson is a name that just makes me smile. Our family lived across the street from the Peterson family for many years. My sister, Linda, and I used to babysit the 5 kids. We have lots of fun memories and good thoughts. Linda and I were so sad that we didn’t know about Jean’s death, we would have loved to have been there for her service. We are so sad, and we send our sympathy to your family. Love, Kathy
With love and sympathy, Gary and Kathy Case
Lee, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. She was so loved by you and so many others.
Lynn and family,
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. I only met your dear mother a few times, but her special loving spirit touched my heart. Her smile, zest for life, and sincere interest in the adventures and experiences of others were an inspiration to many. She seemed to have boundless energy, and her life was devoted to caring for others. Her legacy lives on in you, Lynn and your family – my prayer is for all of you to find the strength to celebrate the incredible life of your amazing mother. We love you!
We are here to help in any way.
Love and hugs, Colette and family
Dear Williams Family,
As my mom said, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Her life is truly beautiful because she helped and inspired so many. I know her memory and joyful spirit will be forever cherished.
Hugs and Love,
Julia
Dear Williams Family,
I just wanted to share this quote with you because it reminds me of your mother and grandmother and is authored by a beloved author of Katherine and I:
“She who has gone, so that we but cherish her memory, abides with us, more potent, no, more present, than the living woman.”
“Celui qui a disparu, que nous chérissons, mais sa mémoire demeure avec nous, plus puissant, non, plus présent que l’homme vivant.”
РAntoine de Saint-Exup̩ry
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Deborah
Dear Lynn and family,
We were so moved to read about your dear mother and the beautiful, courageous and compassionate life she led. May you be comforted with peace at this time, surrounded by rich and wonderful memories.
Much love,
Beth and Steve.
The picture is great and so captures her spirit.
To borrow from her comment about Lucy… “Jean, you’re a keeper!”
I was very sorry to hear of your loss, but thankful of the life of such a giving and kind woman, your mother. She made a difference in so many lives and lives on in the kindness and generosity you show to others. I am praying for your comfort.
Allan
My thoughts and prayers will be with Jean’s family and friends. She will be greatly missed.
I will miss you immensely. I never knew a sweet, independent, bright, and such a dedicated grandmother.
Our love and prayers to you and your family. Please let us know if you need anything. God Bless you all. Our sincerest condolences.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We wish we could be there with you.. to also meet your sisters and brothers. Know that we are with you in spirit. May your mother’s spirit and love give you comfort, peace and solace in the days and months to come. Just knowing you, we know your mom…Her grace,warmth, love of life, her commitment to health, wellness, being active, staying involved in current events, the joy of living, of treasuring the summer vacations with kids and grandkids — what a wonderful gift of family … Lee you share those traits and many more… she is living in you, through you and your family… cherish that warmth and love around you. The legacy of staying connected with family as she modeled we know will continue in this generation and generations to come… as you mom’s love wraps around you all… Much love, Maureen and Michael
Dear Pete and family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I really enjoyed those times when I was around her. She always seemed optimistic and happy. I think she was very proud of her children and their families. We will all miss her.
Sincerely,
Jay
Sorry a family birthday dinner pre-cludes my attending memorial. My sympathy to the family on your loss. I truly enjoyed her participation in our Contemporary Problems class at the Senior Center in Burien.
Annada & the Bushorn family,
I am sorry about the loss of your grandma. What a wonderful & kind woman she must have been because I have always heard nothing but sweet words used when you guys talk about her. May God give you peace at this time and may the memories you made with her bring a smile to your face.
I love my friend Jean and cannot begin to tell you how much I’ll miss her. She was a ray of sunshine in my life. I could always count on words of encouragement and praise from her.
Jean was not only a great person and friend but an exceptional nurse. My world will not be the same without her.
When someone you love becomes a memory,
The memory becomes a treasure.
Jean was a treasure!……and I’ll cherish all those wonderful memories!
Mrs. P. was the best. A big part of my growing up included times with her over a cup of tea. Her house was home away from home for many years and I’ll never forget her great big smile and twinkling eyes, laughing at Susie and me when we shared our adventures or thoughts with her. A wonderful person who showed us how life should be lived. Jean will always be in my thoughts and memories.
Jean was my parents’ neighbor across the street in Burien for 50 years. Our two families grew up together always watching out the window to see what the other family was doing! Jean was a second mom, not only to me and my siblings, but to all the many other children on the block in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Many of us were fortunate enough to also have had a rich friendship with Jean as adults.
Jean’s death is a great loss to her family and to all of us, but we have wonderful memories of her through which she will live on.
I met Jean at the book club meetings at the Burien library. She always brought thoughtful insight to the discussions and her smile lit up the room. It was a privilege to have known her, she will be greatly missed.
I can’t believe my buddy is gone. Yes, we worked together, but more important, we shared so many meaningful thoughts together through the years, and had so many soul searching talks over coffee and muffins whenever time allowed. You were the perfect friend.
I wanted to say good-bye, Jean. Love, Pauline
TO THE FAMILY OF JEAN, MY MEMORY OF JEAN WILL ALWAYS BE THAT SHE WAS A RAY OF SUNLIGHT. FROM THE FIRST TIME I MET HER TO THE LAST I SEEN HER IF SHE ENTERED THE ROOM IT LITE UP WITH HER PRESENCE. I NEVER SEEN HER MOOD DOWN NOR DID SHE EVER COMPLAIN. SHE WAS ALWAYS IN AN “UP” MOOD. SHE LOVED ALL HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS. SHE WILL BE MISSED. MY LOVE TO YOU ALL AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU.
I Lived next door to Jean many years ago. She was a lovely lady and was always so very nice and fun. One of my favorite stories is about my old dog Selwyn. One day he was hit by a car and lost his tail. Jean helped us with our dog and then took the tail and buried it in her back yard. In a very short time a tree grew in the exact place where she buried the tail. I know that the tree was there for many years; she loved the tree and called the tree Selwyn. My hart goes out to all of her family.
My whole family loved Jean. We always looked forward to the Christmas Holidays that we would see her in Bremerton with Stan and Susan. Always smiling, always perky, and always great to visiting with. You are in our prayers as you go through this loss of a great lady. Blessings to the whole family. Rita
I am so sorry to hear that Jean is gone. I will always have such fond memories of her, especially the times that she came to my mom’s house for Christmas. Us kids would be out playing basketball and Jean always was right out there with us, giving us pointers and showing us her stuff! I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful, caring, sunny person! May God bless your family during this difficult time and please know that my family’s prayers are with you!
Aunt Jean was always so interested in what we were doing. She always made us feel so special. Aunt Jean was such a warm and caring person and we will miss her so much. I’ll especially miss her wonderful emails. May Peace be with her family at this very difficult time. It is so hard to lose such a special Mother / Grandmother.
Cindy and Barry