Lois Victoria Victoria Peterson

2/27/1926 – 9/6/2013

Preceded in death by husband Floyd Peterson, sister Vera Geary.

Survived by children; Lyle Peterson, Claudia Peterson, Paul Peterson (Sandy), granddaughter Kelli Peterson, sister, Leona Mitcheltree, many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 at Crosby Colonial Chapel, graveside service will be Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Memorial Service will be Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church 7020 Cass St Omaha.

In lieu of flowers memorials to First United Methodist Church or Nebraskans for Peace.

Lois Victoria Anderson Peterson was preceded in death by husband, Floyd Peterson; and sister, Vera Geary. She was survived by children Lyle Peterson and Claudia Peterson of Omaha, Paul Peterson (Sandy) of San Diego, granddaughter Kelli Peterson of San Diego, sister Leona Mitcheltree of Lincoln, and many nieces and nephews.

Lois Victoria was born in Victor, Colorado on February 27, 1926, the first child of Seth and Ruth Borg Anderson. The family moved to Madison, Nebraska where her sister Vera was born, then to a farm near Allen, Nebraska where her sister Leona was born, then to Wakefield, Nebraska. Lois excelled in school and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1942 at the age of sixteen.

Lois attended the Van Sant School of Business in Omaha. She lived at the Augustana Home (housing for single women) where she met many life-long friends. She worked as a legal secretary for the firm Swarr, May, Royce, Smith, and Story in the Keeline Building in downtown Omaha until 1949. She also worked for Aermotor Windmill Company and United Airlines for brief periods.

Lois attended First Covenant Church on 23rd and Davenport Streets where she met Floyd Peterson. They were married in the Covenant Church on June 28, 1952. Lyle was born. Then they adopted Claudia and shortly thereafter adopted Paul.

Lois Victoria graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies in 1988 at the age of 62. In 1996, she and Floyd transferred their membership to the First United Methodist Church of Omaha. In 2002, Paul gave Victoria a granddaughter, Kelli.

Victoria did volunteer work for the Covenant Church, the Methodist Church, the Laubach Literacy Council, Head Start, Omaha Urban League, the League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood, Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty, and Nebraskans for Peace. In 1998 Nebraskans for Peace presented her with the "Peacemaker of the Year" award. After Floyd passed away, she spent more time with old friends, and found new friends. She especially enjoyed her new interest of card games.

Victoria had written her wishes for her memorial service. In them she wrote, "Thanks to everyone who has done so much for me in so many ways. Each one knows who she is or who he is. I am grateful and still love you." Shortly before her passing, she said that she had a full life and was ready to go home.