Marjorie Clareen Peters
MARQUETTE, MI – Born August 25, 1934, Clareen was raised in Owosso, Michigan, where she graduated from Owosso High School in 1952. She continued her education at Central Michigan University and was an active member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. After graduating in May 1956, Clareen accepted a teaching position at W.K. Kellogg Junior High School in Battle Creek.
During her first year in Battle Creek, Clareen met Robert Thomas Peters Jr., whom she married on June 15, 1957. Together they moved to Marquette, Tom’s hometown, where he became the first Alumni Director at Northern Michigan College. Clareen taught briefly in Negaunee and later at John D. Pierce School in Marquette before accepting a temporary position at the college. She also held a part-time position at Bishop Baraga following the birth of three of her children.
After several years in education, Clareen devoted herself to raising her children and supporting their many activities. Together, she and Tom raised four children while remaining actively involved in university and community life.
A talented seamstress, Clareen made clothing, Halloween costumes, and even bridesmaids dresses for family and friends. She loved crafts, gardening, and refinishing furniture. Athletics were also a cornerstone of the Peters family household, and Clareen was her children’s greatest supporter. She volunteered at countless meets and games, and her dedication and leadership led her to become the first female president of the Marquette Senior High School Athletic Booster Club.
Clareen’s love for her family was expressed in various ways. She helped each of her children establish homes wherever life took them, traveling across the country to assist with moves, help renovate, and make every house feel like a home. She was present for the birth of each of her grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to visit them, celebrate holidays together, and remain an active part of their lives.
Clareen and Tom were devoted supporters of Northern Michigan athletics. Fall Saturdays were often spent in the press box at NMU football games, while winter weekends found them at Lakeview Arena cheering on the NMU hockey team whether from their seats or from the Donors Room. Their home on Magnetic Street was a gathering place for countless parties, many ending with Tom at the piano while Clareen and friends sang along to “Happy Days Are Here Again.”
Clareen treasured time spent with her friends. For more than sixty years, weekly bridge games and cocktails were a cherished part of her life and a reflection of the deep friendships she maintained over the decades.
She is survived by her sons, Robert Thomas (Alicia) Peters III of Traverse City, Michigan, and William Michael Peters of Minneapolis, Minnesota; daughters, Susan Rae (David) Kanigan of Darien, Connecticut, and Julie Kay (Paul) Keson of Ludington, Michigan; and eight grandchildren: Robby, Allison, Ryan, and Matt Peters; Rachel (Andrew) Lasota and Eric Kanigan; and Jenna and Trey Keson.
Clareen was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 61 years, R. Thomas Peters Jr.; her parents, Clarence and Aileen Hood; and her brother, Raymond Hood.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral Home on Friday, June 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the R. Thomas Peters Jr. Endowed Scholarship, Northern Michigan University, 607 Cohodas Hall, Marquette, MI 49855.
Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com