Mary Jo Peterson

Mary Jo Peterson, 97, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16.

She was born in Moultrie, Ohio, on February 1, 1928, to Harold and Lela Hahn, and graduated from Minerva High School. She married her high school sweetheart, J. Nelson Peterson, in 1947, and they enjoyed 66 years together before he passed in 2014. Mary Jo retired from The Crane Company in 1984. Together, she and her husband spent 60 years creating a sportsman’s paradise starting in 1953 with 80 acres of cow pasture. By 2013, they had a house on a 2-acre island, a large swimming pool, 8-acre lake, beautiful woods, hydroponic greenhouse, hand-built moon gate, gardens, and more. Dubbed “Peterson’s Park,” it is still enjoyed by three generations of the Peterson family.

Mary Jo was hard-working, outgoing, funny, and generous. Always willing to take a friend to a doctor appointment or visit the lonely. She always arrived bearing a gift of home-grown flowers or produce from her abundant garden. She loved playing cards and knitting, but her family gave her the most joy. She often declared that the most important thing in life is to love, and be loved.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Edward Peterson of Hudson and Jerry (Marjorie) Peterson of Alliance. She was also beloved by her grandchildren, Gregory (Danielle) Peterson of Cincinnati, Susan (Ryan) Kowalske of Hudson, and Douglas (Brittany) Peterson of New York City. She also leaves eight great-grandchildren; sister, Bonnie Vincent; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband Nelson; daughter-in-law, Kay Peterson; her parents; brother, Frank Hahn; and sister, Mildred Essick.

The family would like to thank the staffs at St. Joseph Senior Living and Crossroads Hospice for their excellent care.

Per Mary Jo’s request, a private family celebration of her life will be held at a later date.