Lydia Mora Garcia Peterson

Peterson, Lydia Mora Garcia of Ann Arbor, Michigan died Monday, May 7, 2018. She was 82. Lydia was born in Corpus Christi, Texas June 18, 1935 and grew up in Laredo and Falfurrias, Texas. After graduation she joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. After the army she worked for an architect while studying at Northwestern University in Chicago. She later moved to Washington D.C. To work for the Department of State helping U.S. Citizens abroad who were in need of assistance. She later moved to New Haven Connecticut where she met her former husband, John R. Peterson, a student at Yale University, in 1959. The couple moved to Ann Arbor in 1963 and had two daughters, Catherine and Elizabeth. The couple separated in 1975 and she never remarried. Lydia worked for the University of Michigan School of Business for 27 years. She was an Administrative Assistant as well as Executive Assistant to the Dean. After she left U of M she went to work for Suzuki Automotive Testing for 10 years before retiring. She enjoyed her retirement and adored looking after her two grandchildren. She was a protector of the environment and enjoyed tending to her beautiful yard and flowers. She loved and respected nature. She was an avid reader, an exercise enthusiast and a world traveler. She believed in education, justice, and spirituality. Lydia was a progressive and forward thinker who was engaged in modern politics. She was proud of her vibrant Mexican-American heritage and would often tell interesting and mysterious stories about her grandparents and her childhood growing up in Texas. Genealogy became a passion of hers. She would travel to do extensive research, putting together many missing pieces of her family history. She was funny, kind and thoughtful, enjoyed a good cup of coffee and the occasional donut. Lydia will be missed by all who loved her. She leaves behind her daughters; Catherine Mylene Thursby and Elizabeth Anne Duran, grandchildren; Jackson Dylan and Fiona Olivia Thursby; sister and brother Yolanda Garcia-DeGroot, Joe “Pepe” Garcia, and many other dear relatives and friends. Lydia has donated her body to science and research. There will be no formal services. Those desiring may offer donations in Lydia's memory to the charity of your choice. Please visit the funeral chapel website to offer the family your condolences.