Clara Jean (Phillips) PETERSON
September 4, 1936 - August 6, 2011
Clara “Jean” Peterson was born on September 4, 1936, growing up on her family’s farm with her beloved brother Bill in Bellingham, Washington and living most of her adult life in West Seattle. Jean was an award-winning member of 4-H, a Girls State member, the valedictorian of Mt. Baker High School and the recipient of numerous college scholarships. Her formal education concluded after two years of study at Washington State University but she continued her informal learning for years, becoming a successful manager of her family’s investment properties. Jean was married for 55 years to her college sweetheart Burt, and together they raised three successful children: Scott, an attorney in Everett, Washington; Deborah, a professor in Portland, Oregon; and Lisa, a teacher in Seattle, Washington. Jean was an early and vocal supporter of civil rights issues in Seattle, working to end racial discrimination in housing and discrimination against the gay and lesbian community. Jean held leadership roles in several philanthropic endeavors. She was a Past Queen of Hatasu Temple No. 1 of Seattle, Daughters of the Nile, which solely supports the Shriners Hospitals for Childrenâ; long-time member of Ferndale Chapter No. 223, Order of the Eastern Star; and weekly volunteer during the winter months at the orphanage in Mazatlan, Mexico. Jean was well known for her genealogy research, tracing her family’s history to Ireland, immigration to the US during the American Revolution, exile to Canada following the War, migration West on the Oregon Trail, and ultimate immigration to the US in the 20th century. She was proud of her Irish, Canadian and American heritage. Jean was an avid gardener who generously shared her bulbs, seeds, and blossoms with neighbors and was known for her beautiful smile, twinkling aqua eyes, and generous spirit. Jean is survived by her husband Burt; her children Scott, Deborah (Ned), and Lisa; grandchildren Andrew, Enrique, Jonathan, Sylvia and Rebecca; and countless friends and neighbors who will continue to honor Jean’s belief in equity, joy for life, and volunteer work with children.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Sunday, September 4, 2011 at 1:30 p.m at Fauntleroy Community Church (9140 California Avenue S.W., Seattle, WA 98136, 206-932-5600).
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jean’s honor are requested for the 501 (c) 3 Daughters of the Nile Foundation HYPERLINK "http://www.donfdn.org/" http://www.donfdn.org/ or 1778 Oak Glen Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78132-3839.
