Longtime Summit Resident Miriam Peterson Dies at 99

Miriam R. Peterson, (nee Goodsell), 99, of Summit, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday. Born in Belmond, IA on March 25, 1914, and raised in Des Moines, IA, Miriam lived in Summit since 1951.

She was a graduate of Capital City Commercial College in Des Moines. Miriam was an Administrative Assistant for Better Homes & Gardens in Des Moines for 6 years, before she left to raise her family. Miriam and her husband, Donald, were Charter Members of Fairmount Country Club in Chatham Township and Clearwater Swim Club in New Providence. She was a Twig volunteer for 45 years with the Overlook Hospital Auxiliary and, up until a month ago, was still sewing pillows for patients in the hospital.

Miriam was also a volunteer and host for American Field Service. As a 62-year member of St. John's Lutheran Church, she was a teacher and superintendent of their Sunday School for many years. Miriam loved to be with her family, cook, golf, and sew. Miriam is pre-deceased by her husband of 52 years, Donald L. Peterson, and and her brother, Donald Goodsell. She is survived by her four sons and their wives, Richard and Suzanne, Douglas and Leslie, Kent and Jill, Gary and Jody, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 10 am at St. John's Lutheran Church, 587 Springfield Ave, Summit. In lieu of flowers, donations in Miriam's name may be made to St. John's Luthernan Church Thanksgiving & Memorial Fund.