Jean E. Peters, 76, of Freeport, won her battle with cancer the only way she could by leaving it behind. She died peacefully Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Presence St. Joseph Nursing Center surrounded by her loving family. Born September 7, 1937 in Freeport she was the daughter of John E. and Ruth L. (Walters) Morden.
Jean was a 1955 graduate of Freeport High School. She was a beautician at Wilcox Beauty Salon, and later worked for FHN, retiring after 11 years. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church including their Prayer Shawl Ministry having personally made 130 Prayer Shawls. An extremely avid Cub fan Jean enjoyed knitting, gardening, cooking, and camping. Jean welcomed her friends from FHN with open arms, and made many lasting friendships while working there. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren. She was especially appreciative of the special care her granddaughter Mandi and great grandson Landon gave her daily. Surviving are her daughter, Rebecca J. (Ervin Beekman) Peters; her son, Robert J. (Kristi) Peters both of Freeport; her brother, Jack Morden; her sister, Shirley Sabin; two grandchildren, Nikolas (Katherine) Diemer and Mandi (Eric Kirk) Diemer; great grandson, Landon Kirk; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and her beloved cat, Suzy. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother in-law, William Sabin; and Bob and Becky's father, Robert J. Peters Sr., her niece Barb Sabin, and her great nephew, Michael Klaas. Funeral services will be 12 noon Saturday, April 5, 2014, at First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be 9 a.m. until 12 noon Saturday, April 5, 2014, at First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in her name. The family wants to thank the staff at Presence St. Joseph for their compassion and care and also Dr. Michael Merry for his longtime friendship.