Judith Helen Carey Peterson — beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend — passed away peacefully in Sauk City, Wisconsin, on March 31, 2023, surrounded by family.

Judy was born in Seattle, Washington, on July 2, 1937, and recalled thinking as a child that each Fourth of July celebration was done in her honor. Judy was the second of four children born to Seattle attorney Charles Robert and Inez Josephine (Walsh) Carey. Both of her parents came from Washington State Irish pioneer families, with her mother's ancestors founding the town of Republic and the first book bindery in Seattle and her father's father migrating from Wisconsin as a circuit court judge, born in a town downriver from where she died. Judy was raised on the hilly peninsula of Magnolia in Seattle and attended Forest Ridge Academy, learning from the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, which ignited a lifelong love of learning. She spent many a summer on the rocky beach of Bainbridge Island and working concessions at the family's resort on nearby Island Lake.

Attending Seattle University and Mexico City University, where she studied education, Judy met her future husband Eric Wilhelm Peterson on a blind date. She recalls how interesting he was, holding meaningful conversations from the outset, reflective of her own appetite and appreciation of life. They were together a love-filled 21 years, living in Seattle and Juanita, where she built her family home while pregnant with twins and guided by the talents of her Swedish father-in-law Albert. It was there, in 1982, that Eric died unexpectedly at the age of 53. A widow with four boys still at home, Judy persevered to support her family and provide her sons with educational, travel and growth opportunities to develop them into independent, world-wise men and guided by the ideals and principles of her late husband.

Close to family and devout to her faith, Judy was a lifelong Catholic of the Jesuit tradition, valuing the power of education and reason to discover the divine in life. Shortly after the death of her husband, she returned to school to complete her bachelor's degree in English at the University of Washington, attending school around her work and parenting responsibilities. At the UW, Judy studied under Northwest poet and educator Nelson Bentley, who was a huge influence in her love of poetry, literature and understanding of the human condition. A voracious reader, Judy consumed novels and nonfiction even after her eyesight failed later in life, listening to e-books and podcasts with a passion that wore out several iPads and informed the reading lists of many whose lives she touched.

Judy believed in the education of experiences and other cultures as well, studying and traveling in Mexico, Canada and Hawaii, while encouraging and supporting sons who traveled extensively in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. She made many a trip with sons in tow to Washington, D.C., to wander the halls of the Smithsonian museums and learn about our duties of citizenship. A believer in justice and equity for everyone, Judy was active in progressive causes and fundraised for the Democratic Party. She was inspired by the speeches of John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and later of the Obamas and Bernie Sanders.

Always active in the arts and community, Judy's formal work included the Seattle Public Library, Canadian Pacific Airlines, Sears and the Bon Marche, UW Hospital, and State Farm, as well as fundraising for political causes. Among coworkers, she was known for her gentle demeanor, compassionate people skills and infectious humor.

Judy moved to San Diego in the early 90's, where she lived with her youngest sons, served as a eucharistic minister at St. Brigid's parish, and enjoyed the warm weather, salt air and adventure of riding the Coaster commuter train up the California coast, past the flower fields, beaches, and historic missions that added texture, color and joy to her life.

She then moved to Americus, Georgia, where she became heavily involved in literacy programs through the regional library system, mentoring several adult learners in the love of letters and attending St. Mary's parish and the occasional Sunday school lesson in Plains, taught by former President Jimmy Carter. Judy then moved to Madison, Wisconsin, to be closer to her sons, where she enjoyed her sunrise-facing balcony apartment, watching the seasons change into the winter of her life, spending time with her grandchildren and corresponding with family all over the country.

Wherever she lived, her passion for flowers and sports pervaded. Judy grew up with the grand hydrangeas of Magnolia and continued her love of the ephemeral beauty of the blossom through her many stops in life, from the Californian ranunculus to the Southern camellia. Her family fondly remembers the hundreds of tulip and daffodil bulbs she planted in Kirkland, which spread color and beauty for many seasons. A lifelong sports fan, Judy rooted for the University of Washington Huskies, San Diego Padres and various golf legends. She often found unusual and exciting ways to connect with her teams, attending coach-led seminars and delighting in her grandson Caean's eye for action as a professional sports photographer.

Judy is survived by her four sons and three grandchildren, Eric Albert Peterson (and his wife Amaliá and son Caean), Jon Carey Peterson, Kurt Charles Peterson and Stefan Wilhelm Peterson (and his wife Karen, daughter Morgan and son Deacon). She is also survived by her older sister Sharon Lee (Parley) LeeMaster and Colleen Frances (George) Sayler, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and their children, with whom she enjoyed mailing envelopes stuffed with messages of love and packets of tea.

Loved by many for her optimism, generosity, and forgiving and compassionate personality complemented by a strong, independent character, Judy will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by those she leaves behind. She was preceded in death by her soulmate Eric, her parents, her in-laws Albert and Frieda Peterson, her baby brother Charles Daniel Joseph (Sheila) Carey and her best friend Mary Ann Dours.

A small, private event will be held in Seattle in July to gather family and share memories, followed by an internment at Acacia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or cards, the family asks that you delve into a book, plan an adventure, or cultivate a bed of flowers.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com