Alice Stowell Peterson

Alice Henrietta Stowell Peterson, 99,born March 25, 1918, passed away peacefully at Hospice of the Valley surrounded by her family on Sunday, July 16, 2017. Born on her family’s dairy and tobacco farm in Lindley, NY, Alice is the second oldest of five daughters to Josephine and Richard Stowell. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 65 years, Norman I. Peterson, and her sisters: Lennie Stowell, MaryIda Stowell, and Evelyn Bronson. She is survived by her sister: Edna Kornbau (Victor, NY); her children: Alice Francis (Phoenix, AZ), Norma Alexander (Mesa, AZ); four grandchildren: Michael Francis (Richardson, TX), Lorelei Barker (Gilbert, AZ), Scott Francis (Danville, CA), and Kirsten Alexander (Scottsdale, AZ). She is also survived by two nephews, seven nieces, and nine great-grandchildren. After earning a secretarial degree at Bryant and Stratton Business College in Buffalo, NY, Alice worked for General Mills in Buffalo where she met the dashing young Norman Ira Peterson of the accounting department while handling his business correspondence. The two married on September 17, 1939. After living in New York and Kansas, she called Mesa her home for nearly 50 years. Alice was a classy lady who loved entertaining, baking, and a nice cup of hot tea. She was passionate about her family, the arts, sports, travel, and especially her rose garden. A woman of great empathy, she was very active with the First Presbyterian Church, PTA, and Girl Scouts. Alice was one of the founders of Prehab of Arizona—now The New Leaf. She also served as Treasurer and President for the Mahnah Club philanthropic society where she lead the initiation of programs such as Prehab, Child Crisis Center, and various youth scholarship programs. The Mahnah society recognized Alice, making her a life member. She showed struggling adolescents that the world isn’t such a terrible place. This is the dynamo of energy and love of community her family came to know and revere. Services for Alice Peterson will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Mesa, 161 N Mesa Dr., on Sunday, July 30 at 3:00 PM.In lieu of flowers, Alice has requested that donations be made to either The Alice Peterson Residence @ A New Leaf OR The New Leaf Endowment Fund 868 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85203 (turnanewleaf.org). Donations can also be made to The Music Department OR Adult Programs @ First Presbyterian Church of Mesa (FPCMesa.org).