Jean Peters

Madison - Jean Peters, age 84, died at HospiceCare in Fitchburg on Tues. Jan. 5th, 2010 , after a struggle with Alzheimer's and a sudden illness.   She was born Jean Alice McWilliams on May 30th 1925 in Rochester MN , to Marie (nee Vaas) and Dr. Burr McWilliams.   The family moved to Madison shortly after her birth, where both sides of her family had been early residents.    She attended Nakoma elementary school, Madison West High in 1943, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1947 with a degree in Psychology.   While in college she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.   After graduation she worked as a medical secretary at Wisconsin General Hospital where she met Dr. Henry Peters of Oconomowoc , WI .    The couple was married on May 20th, 1950 and settled in Madison where he finished school and joined the UW Medical School faculty.   Jean continued to aid her husband with his writing throughout his career as a neurologist.   Jean was known for her big spirit and gregarious nature.   Her lifelong passion for the natural world was passed on to her four sons.    A constant gardener, she transformed her yard into a wildflower haven.    Always athletic, cross-country skiing and swimming gave her much joy.   She especially loved the north woods, where she vacationed throughout her life, and her mother's summer cottage on Lake Mendota .   For 40 years, the cabin and farm in Richland County were her second home, with countless gatherings of family and friends.   Her care and love for this land made her the proud recipient of the county's ""Wildlife Habitat Stewardship Award"".   Jean was active in a number of organizations, including the Friends of the Arboretum, The Nature Conservancy, her sorority alumni group and the local chapter of the PEO , of which she was a founding member.   With her husband, she traveled extensively abroad and followed the activities of her sons and four grandchildren. Jean is survived by her husband, Dr. Henry A. Peters of Madison; four sons, Henry (Marit) Peters of Madison and their children Laura and Matthew; Kurt Peters (Lise Faillettaz) of Northfield, MN; Eric Peters of Madison; Mark (Janeen) Peters of St. Paul, MN and their children Noah and Alek; sister-in-law Jane McWilliams of Northfield, MN; cousin Beth Kubly of Madison, and nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Burr. Memorial services will be held at ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH , 7118 Old Sauk Rd. in Madison on Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Wild officiating.   A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service.   Graveside services will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery on Sunday January 17th, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the love and care given to Jean by her home caregivers, the staff of All Saints Memory Care, and HospiceCare Inc.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of the Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Hwy , Madison , WI   53711 ,   The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin, 633 W. Main St. , Madison , WI    53703 , or the organization of your choice.