Madge Peterson's Obituary
Madge Peterson, age 95 died March 26, 2013 at the Continental at St. Joseph's Assisted Living in Centerville, Iowa.
She was born in Darby, Iowa on December 22, 1917 the daughter of George and Carrie (Benson) Simmons. She was joined in marriage to Gay ""Swede"" Peterson on June 4, 1946, who preceded her in death April 10, 2002.
She was the first in her family to graduate from high school and attend college, beginning with Centerville Community College, Drake University, Union College and graduated from William Penn University. She taught school at Darby, Sioux City, Des Moines and for the last 20 plus years of her career, Moulton.
After retirement she did volunteer work teaching English as a second language, working at the Lord's Cupboard and until she was in her late 80's delivering Meals on Wheels to as she described it ""old people."" She was recognized by Governor Brandsted as an Iowa Volunteer of the Year.
She was a life-long member of the Centerville Seventh Day Adventist Church where she served as pianist and church treasurer for 50 plus years.
In the summer of her 94th year, she moved to the Continental at St. Joseph's Assisted Living in Centerville. Her sister Alfreda and brother Royal Simmons deserve special recognition for the daily care and attention they provided her as well as the wonderful staff at the Continental at St. Joseph's and HCI Care Services.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Merrill and Nancy Peterson of Lincoln, NE, brothers Royal Simmons of Centerville, and Alfred Simmons of Harrison, AR, sisters Alfreda Simmons of Centerville, and Dr. Virginia Simmons of Lubbock, TX.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Carrie Simmons, sisters Ruth Van den Brink, Esther Ray, Edith Johnson, and brothers George, Chester, Ray and Paul Simmons.
A memorial service will be planned for a future date. Memorials to ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) may be dropped off or mailed to Lange Funeral Home & Crematory at 1900 South 18th St. Centerville, IA 52544. Condolences may be left online at www.langefh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Madge?
What’s a lesson you learned from Madge?
Share a story where Madge's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Madge you’ll never forget.
How did Madge make you smile?