Mary C. Peters

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mary C. Peters (nee Hare) announces her passing on January 1, 2024, at approximately 9:50p.m. Mary, aged 91, was surrounded by family in her home at the time of her passing. She has finally returned home to paradise, a realm she had once glimpsed and remembered fondly for the vividness of its flowers and the boundlessness of God’s love. Mary was born Mary Clementine Hare on July 11, 1932, in Gary, Indiana to parents Clyde C. and Mary C. Hare. She married Richard A. Peters on December 29, 1954, in Gary, Indiana. They later made their home in Hobart, Indiana, where she lived the remainder of her life. A celebrated teacher, Mary taught elementary and middle school English, social studies, history, and science for 31 years. Her compassion and enthusiasm for her students made countless lasting impressions. It was rare for her to get through a grocery trip without being inundated by praise from former students and other admirers. Mary was a self-taught artist in several mediums including watercolor and oil painting, sketching, and stained-glass. In 1974, her stained-glass work was featured in the Post Tribune. In it, she humbly remarked, “As I look through the stained glass…it almost seems as though God is using the sunshine to add His own special dimension to whatever a mere human artist like myself has been able to achieve alone.” Mary was also a skilled pianist, and particularly enjoyed playing “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin and any song by Gershwin. A fun and adventurous spirit, Mary was well-traveled. The photographs in her picture albums spanned hemispheres with carefully framed snapshots from England, Switzerland, France, Canada, and locations all over the United States. Many of these photos became the subject of her watercolor paintings. A prolific artist, guests who visited were markedly impressed with the excellence of her work which covered the walls of her carefully curated home. A self-described “social butterfly,” Mary enjoyed being the life of the party and a diligent host, known for her warmth, wit, and high-brow humor. A lover of nature and beauty, Mary absolutely loved swimming in Lake Michigan, relaxing on its shores with her family, and ending a summer’s day with her hands-down favorite treat, the Dilly Bar. She would often say that “Ice cream fixes everything.” Mary achieved academic excellence at a time when it was rare for women, earning a bachelor’s degree in English from “Ole Miss” and a master’s degree in education from Indiana University. A skilled New York Times crossword-puzzler, she insisted that they kept her mind sharp, and maintained that morning ritual into her very last days. Mary was a voracious reader, and easily consumed a thousand books in her lifetime. She loved Charles Dickens most of all. She was a vibrant, determined, confident, and compassionate woman. The Matriarch of her family, she was the very definition of unwavering love. At the end of her life, she commented that of all her experiences and accomplishments, her crowning jewel was her family. Mary was preceded in death by: husband Richard A. Peters, Michael C. Peters, Janet L. Peters, Clinton S. Faller, Reveille A. Vittetoe, parents Clyde and Mary Hare, and brother Curtis Hare. Mary is survived by her children, Rick A. Peters and Ellen K. Peters; grandchildren Julie L. Peters, Christine M. Faller, Nicole R. (Michael) McGee, Christopher L. (Wirdani) Peters, Jonathan M. Hook (Claire Gregg), Sarah W. (Paton) Holmes; and great-grandchildren Gabriel A. Munda, Tristan G. Vittetoe, Elijah K. McGee, Abram E. McGee, and Calvin M. Holmes. Amidst the deep grief of her family, friends, and admirers, we recall Mary Peters’ frequent remark: “No one better be sad when I go!” A line from Nicholas Nickleby reflects this sentiment of faith where Dickens writes: “The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.” As per Mary’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization she was passionate about. Burns Funeral Home & Crematory Hobart, Indiana entrusted with arrangements.

Mary C. Peters

July 11, 1932 - January 1, 2024