February 10, 1930 – November 13, 2023
Marion Katherine Peterson (Todd), loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2023, at the age of 93 in Sandy, Oregon. She was born during the Great Depression on February 10, 1930, in Spokane, Washington, and was the oldest of three siblings.
Marion graduated from Washington State University with a degree in home economics. She had a passion for education and began her career as an elementary school teacher. Teaching children was her greatest career accomplishment, and she touched the lives of many young minds. Her love for adventure led her to take on the role of a stewardess, where she resided in Alaska and even starred in her own cooking segment on TV.
It was in Fairbanks, Alaska, that Marion met her husband, Jim Peterson, who was stationed nearby in the Army. The couple exchanged vows on July 6th, 1957, at Fort Greeley, and their love endured for over six decades. After living in various locations across the country, the Peterson’s settled in the Seattle area where they were blessed with two children, Patrice and Preston. Marion cherished her role as a mother and found great joy in raising her children in Lakeridge then Mercer Island, where the family found their forever home.
Marion had a passion for travel and was fortunate to embark on many international journeys, with Europe being her favorite destination. In their golden years, Marion and Jim explored the United States in their RV, creating cherished memories along the way. Marion was also an avid fitness walker and participated in Volksmarch walks in all 50 states, showcasing her determination and resilience.
She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Patrice Peterson, her son, Preston Peterson, her sister, Eleanor Merrell, her daughter-in-law, Meg Morgan, her grandchildren, Mikayla Ballard, Kylie Ballard, Grant Peterson, Dean Peterson, and four great-grandchildren. Marion was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine Borgardts, her father, Harold Todd, her brother, Ralph Todd, and her beloved husband, Jim Peterson.
A small service will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington, to honor Marion’s life and the love she shared with her family and friends. Marion will be remembered for her loving nature, adventurous spirit, and resilience. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
