Jean Peterson

Tacoma, Wash. — Jean Marie Peterson, 79, died peacefully on Friday July 29, 2016, after a long illness. Jean was born on Nov. 29, 1936 in Claremont, N.H., the daughter of E.C. “Pete” Peterson and Lillian Peterson. Jean thoroughly enjoyed athletics and the outdoors, she learned to ski, swim, and skate at an early age. She continued to enjoy swimming and horseback riding her whole life. Jean graduated from Steven’s High School in Claremont, N.H. in 1954, where she played basketball, hockey and was a member of the marching band. Jean went onto Grace New Haven School of Nursing in Connecticut where she graduated and was Treasurer of her class. 1957 Jean accepted a position in the medical research department at Yale University. 1960 Jean moved to Miami, Fla., where she worked at Mercy Hospital.

In 1965 Jean moved to Palo Alto, Calif. to work at Stanford University Hospital, where she was a Scrub Nurse on Dr. Schumway’s surgical team as he performed the first successful heart transplant. As a result, Jean was on the cover of Time Magazine and was featured in an article in the National Geographic Magazine.

In 1968 Jean moved to Seattle, Wash., to work at Swedish Medical Center. It was there she gave birth to a baby girl. Jean moved back to California in 1970 to raise her daughter. She worked at Mills Peninsula Hospital, where she received multiple certificates for continuing education in coronary eye care; it was there she retired in 2000.

In 2001 Jean bought a condo and moved to Kennewick, Wash. Jean moved to Tacoma, Wash., in 2011 to be closer to her family.

Jean is survived by her brother Robert G. Peterson of Charlestown, N.H., a niece Elizabeth Peterson of Sante Fe, N.M., her daughter Kristen Carlyon of Tacoma, Wash., her grandchildren Doremann Jackson Jr., Angelique Jackson, Lia Jackson, Sania Alston of Tacoma, Wash., Patrick Jackson of Pittsburgh, Calif., and two great-grandchildren Jheveah Swansey and Drew Jackson of Tacoma, Wash. She also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends.

There will be a private graveside service for family and friends at West Claremont Cemetery, Claremont, N.H.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to Kristen Carlyon, 4422 E. Q St., Tacoma, WA 98404.

The family invites you to sign their online tribute wall at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.