Our family is sad to announce that our dear Mother, Mary Carolyn Peterson, recently passed away peacefully at the age of 95 after a brief stay in an Adult Family Home in Gig Harbor, WA near family.

Mary was born on October 22, 1930 in Portland, OR to Harry Collister Dobbs and Ethel Glover Dobbs.  When Mary was very young, the Dobbs moved to Chehalis, WA, then later to Olympia.

Mary happily spent high school summers visiting her Uncle Ed and Aunt Mary Fooshee in San Leandro, northern California.

At Olympia High School, Mary was a good student and she was adept at playing the piano.  She loved visiting local lakes to swim with friends.  She graduated in 1948.

Mary later attended the College of Puget Sound where she sang in the choir and toured with the Adelphians singing group.  She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.

In music theory class at CPS, Mary met Robert Henry Peterson who played saxophone in the symphonic & stage bands.

In April 1952, CPS students chose Mary to serve as school May Queen for CPS.

Mom graduated from CPS with honors in June 1952 with a degree in Education.  She went on to teach grade school at Bryant Elementary in Seattle and Washington Elementary in north Tacoma.

Robert went to the University of Michigan Law School for one year, then transferred back to the University of Washington Law School.

In March 1953, Mary and Robert were married in Olympia, WA and they took their honeymoon in Carmel, CA.

After Robert's law school graduation in June 1953, Mary followed her new husband as he served in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, receiving training in Charlottesville, VA.

Throughout their marriage, Mom dutifully served her role as devoted wife and homemaker supporting Dad's legal career as an attorney, judge, arbitrator and mediator.  In 2023, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Mary was a longtime Multicare volunteer, helping at the Atrium Gift Shop in Tacoma General Hospital. She worked part-time for a local travel agency.

Mary was a committed member of the University Place Presbyterian Church.

She was a long-time member of the P.E.O, women's service club.

Mom was real, candid, friendly, supportive and she had charisma.

Mary loved dogs, especially her Golden retrievers.  Mary and Robert enjoyed taking their Tiderunner on family trips to the Canadian San Juans.  She loved the freedom of boating on the open water.

Mom loved sunshine and blue sky and winter trips to Palm Desert, Indian Wells.

Mom and Dad enjoyed exploring California coastal areas including Cambria, Morro Bay and Santa Barbara.

Mary was adventuresome.  For decades, Mary and Robert led informal hiking groups into State and National Parks.  She loved biking in Victoria BC with friends.

In retirement, Mary and Robert travelled abroad to the Holy Lands, Switzerland, France and Italy and to Australia, New Zealand and Chile.  They enjoyed summers locally at Cherry Cove in Gig Harbor.

Mary loved classic movies like White Christmas, the Glenn Miller story, Mary Poppins, South Pacific and Sound of Music.  She loved all things Disney, especially the Snowbuddies movie.  Mom loved the MASH show.  She enjoyed Andrea Bocelli music.

Mary loved the beauty, dignity and grandeur of our National Parks.  Mary and Robert have donated to park conservation efforts.

It is tough to say goodbye, but Mary lived a very full, successful life.  Mom leaves a very positive legacy and we all have gratitude.

Mary was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert, in October 2023, who was also 95 when he passed.  Mary is survived by her 3 children, (Clifford, Sharon and Lori), 3 grandchildren, (Brett, Annika and Timothy), 3 great grandchildren (Elliot, Hazel and Felix), cousin Linda and Tracy Dodge, their daughter, Erin, and other special relatives.

Memorial services are planned at the University Place Presbyterian Church on Thursday, July 2, at 2pm.  Donations may be made to the National Parks Conservation Association.