Barbara Ann Peterson of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away on October 4, 2022, at the age of 80. Barbara was born September 28, 1942 in Wichita, Kansas to the late Carl Marvin and Clara Mae Peterson. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Captain Carl Marvin (widow, Diana) Peterson (U.S.N Retired). She is survived by her younger brother, James Lee (Susan) Peterson, a nephew, niece, their spouses, a great niece and several cousins. Barbara graduated in 1961 from El Dorado High School in Kansas. Although Barbara had congenital hand defects, the wife of her Methodist pastor in Kansas, taught Barbara how to knit and crochet, and her needle work became a lifelong passion. In 1965, Barbara moved with her parents to New Orleans which became her home until she passed away. She seemed to enjoy everything about New Orleans except the customary use of the term “Miss Barbara”. Despite living in New Orleans for over 55 years, she continued to go off like a Roman candle if anyone addressed her as “Miss Barbara”. Shortly after moving to New Orleans, Barbara and her parents joined the First United Methodist Church (now First Grace UMC) and she remained a loyal member, volunteering much time to church projects, such as feeding the hungry, donating her handmade shawls for use during church services, etc. In her needle work, Barbara was a perfectionist, tearing out several rows of her work and starting over if she noticed a slight error. She donated many shawls, caps, mittens, blankets, slippers, sweaters and other hand knitted or crocheted items to charities, such as to Children’s Hospital, Tennessee volunteers working on Katrina clean up, military and strangers in need as well as friends. Barbara also greatly respected all members of the U.S. military. She took pride in volunteering at the National WWII Museum and enjoyed friendships with the other volunteers there. Barbara also greatly respected the American flag and often gave American flag pins and similar items to others. While on jury duty, Barbara noted the condition of the American flag in Judge Calvin Johnson’s Courtroom and purchased a replacement flag which she donated to his Courtroom. The ceremony was reported in this newspaper with her picture presenting the flag to Judge Johnson. Barbara donated over 5 gallons of her blood and also platelets to others and received several certificates for doing so which she proudly displayed in her home. The family thanks the staff at Chateau de Notre Dame and especially staff and other residents on the 4th floor. Also, the family expresses their very great appreciation to Laurie Peller and all the members of the Care Team at First Grace UMC, and very special thanks to Carolyn Crow. Additionally, the family thanks all the people who helped Barbara through the years, driving her to church, events, outings, volunteering, shopping and praying for her. Friends and relatives are invited to a Memorial Service at First Grace UMC on Veteran’s Day (one of Barbara’s special days), Friday, November 11, 2022 at 1:00 pm, Barbara’s long-time, beloved pastor, Rev. Shawn Anglin, officiating. An inurnment service in Wichita, Kansas will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Barbara’s memory to First Grace United Methodist Church, 3401 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 or the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
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