Mary Goldquist Peterson

Mary Ellen Loretta Goldquist Peterson passed away peacefully on Friday June 16, 2023, at Cornerstone Health Care Facility in Texarkana, Texas. Mary was born July 4, 1920, in L’Anse, Michigan to Albin and Jessie Goldquist. Mary was the younger of her two siblings, Ethel and Bernard. Mary enjoyed ice skating in the winter and swimming in the summer in Lake Superior. Mary graduated from L’Anse High School and moved to Chicago, Illinois to attend Cosmetology School. Mary met Gus Peterson, a soldier from New Orleans, who was attending special training in Chicago. Mary and Gus married July 19, 1944 in New Orleans before he was shipped to the European Combat Theater. When Gus was discharged from the Army, they relocated to New Orleans. They moved many times with Gus’s jobs and made close friends across several states. In 1960 Gus’s job took them to Bastrop, LA where they would remain. Twelve years after settling in Bastrop Mary became a widow and she never remarried. She stayed home rearing their children until they were older before she worked outside the home. She worked in the Purchasing Department of Morehouse General Hospital for twenty years. Upon retirement Mary, joined the Louisiana Volunteer for Family and Community, Inc. and the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed many activities with these groups and participated in several fun trips. She was also known for her baking skills and was always prepared to supply baked items for many functions. She was a member of the Bastrop First Methodist Church for over sixty years and a member of United Women in Faith (UMW).

She was preceded in death by her husband Gustave Manual Peterson, parents, Albin and Jessie Goldquist, sister, Ethel Hutchmacher, brother Bernard Goldquist and traveling friend Dorothy Norman.

She is survived by her daughters Margaret McGarity (Gary), Baton Rouge, LA, Lynn Waldroup (David), Texarkana, TX. Four grandchildren: Megan McGarity, Birmingham, AL, Ashley McCollough (Daniel), Stonewall, LA, Stacey Rankin (Ricky), McKinney, TX, and Stephen Waldroup, Texarkana, TX. Two great grandchildren: Bryce McCollough and Remi Rankin. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a dear friend Ruby Carpenter.

The family would like to thank the staff at MRC Cornerstone Health Care Facility and Hospice of Texarkana, for the care and understanding given to Mary in the last few months. There will be a private graveside service at Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Bastrop, 222 South Washington Street, Bastrop, LA 71220 or the Morehouse Council on Aging, 200 Elm Street, Bastrop, LA 71220 or the charity of your choice.

Friends may view and sign the online Guest book at www.Lakelawnmetairie.com