Mary J Peterson
Jan. 9, 1916-Sept. 1, 2023
Mountain View, California

A Life Well Lived

Mary passed away peacefully at age 107 on September 1, 2023. She was born to Jacob and Marie Ramsperger in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and raised with five siblings in a musical household filled with faith and love. After her dad died tragically from a fall when she was a young teen, she chose to quit school to help support her family. This instilled in her a lifelong dedication to others. When living in Saint Paul, she befriended the not-yet famed cartoonist Charles Shultz who was in her church group, and they kept in touch throughout the years. At age 27, Mary wed the love of her life, Tom Peterson, and they moved to the Bay Area in California. They made their home in Mountain View and lived life to the fullest. Tom and Mary were avid travelers and enjoyed sharing the photography from their trips. They had no children of their own but cherished their many nieces and nephews. Tom died much too young at the age of 60.

Mary spent most of her working life at JW McClenaham as an executive secretary, using her talent for organizational wizardry. Outside of work, most of her time was spent in service to others, helping to fill the void left when she was widowed. Mary was a prolific volunteer for more than four decades in numerous local organizations, including Menlo Park Church as a greeter and choir member, Mountain View Senior Center where she served lunch and called bingo for the “old folks,” and Allied Arts where she waited tables and functioned as their wedding coordinator for two years. Mary was also active in Mid-Peninsula Widows and Widowers Association and especially enjoyed phoning members on their birthdays to sing to them. She generously supported many charities, including Volunteers of America, The Salvation Army, and Community Services Agency of Mountain View.

Mary will be especially remembered for her energetic spirit, zest for life, “can do” attitude, smile that lit up a room, beautiful singing voice, and type-written letters to friends and family.

Mary’s family wishes to thank her late dear friend Edith Frost for her loving service to Mary in her last years. Additionally, Mary’s family would like to thank Casa Alice for their excellent care.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings, beloved friend and companion Frank LeBlanc, and many other relatives and friends. She is survived by her twelve nieces and nephews and their families, along with numerous acquaintances.

Tags: public service