Sue Ann Peterson

Sue Ann Peterson, age 86, died Saturday June 1, 2024, at Discovery Care Centre in Hamilton.

Born July 17, 1937, to the late J. Roland Peterson and Lillian Wanderer Peterson. Sue grew up in Hamilton, graduating as Miss Yearling Hamilton High School in 1955. After receiving her degree in nursing at Gonzaga University in Spokane, she joined the order of Franciscans Philadelphia Foundation. Sister Roland Marie served for 10 years and then returned to the community.

Sue’s life was one of service. Her career in nursing included a brief time in Spokane and Missoula before joining Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. Sue returned to her beloved town of Hamilton in Sept. of 1973 where she lived and nursed until her retirement in 1997. Sue’s duties at Marcus Daly included responsibility for the hospital’s Infection Control program, working in employee health, endoscopy and floor nursing. She was proud to be selected as employee of the year 1992-1993. Sues’ strongest assets as a nurse was her ability to put patients at ease with her infectious smile, soft voice and caring attitude.

Singing, watching musicals and listening to music- especially a tune with a good beat - put a smile on her face. She played the sousaphone in high school and was very fond of parades and a good marching band.

Sue most enjoyed time with her family and friends, and time at the family cabin on the East Fork. You could often find Sue taking a refreshing swim in the river. She loved the mountains, watching the deer in her lawn and walks along the river bottoms.

Sue especially loved little children. She found great joy and fulfillment in her role as Aunt and Great Aunt, spending hours playing, singing and teaching life lessons by example.

She was always helping and caring for others. Her generous nature and loving heart touched many. She provided so many acts of kindness, most often anonymously. Diapers left on doorsteps, envelopes of money left in mailboxes, groceries, rides to appointments - just a few on an endless list. Sue had a smile for everyone and strived to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Sue leaves behind her brother, Roland Peterson of Gig Harbor, WA; sister-in law, Kathy Peterson of Hamilton; nephew, John Peterson and his wife Sharon of Helena; nephew, Carl and wife Randi of Gig Harbor, WA; niece, Melissa Peterson and her husband, Hawk Chilcote of Hamilton; niece, Lillian Dannels and her husband Paul of Spokane, WA; Great nephews and nieces; Jayden Peterson, Dillon Weidow, Matthew Weidow, Kennedy Peterson, Cage Peterson, Charlie Anderson, Eli Dannels, and Ashlin Dannels; and many well-loved cousins.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Tom Peterson and her dear friend of 43yrs, Linda Neyt.

Sue was a loved resident of the Memory Unit community at Discovery Care for the last few years of her life.

Our sweet Sue was a loving sister, Aunt, friend, and bright light. Her soul will continue to shine upon us and if we listen with our hearts, we will hear her love around us.

Private family internment and celebration of life will take place at a later date.

The family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Mountain Home Montana.