Catherine Sue Peterson, 66, of Wolf Point, Montana passed away January 3, 2023.
Cathy was born January 26, 1956 in Pawnee City, Nebraska to Edward and Josephine (Conradt) Pepperl. She was raised on the family farm in Burchard, Nebraska with her six siblings. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1974 and then attended University of Nebraska-Lincoln Teachers College.
Cathy met Michael Peterson in Casper, Wyoming and the two were married in Fort Collins, Colorado on August 16, 1980. They had two sons, James Michael and Jacob Matthew, and were married for 36 years until he passed away in 2016.
In 1984, the family moved to Chinook, Montana and in 1987, Cathy’s work took them to Wolf Point. She was a Special Education teacher at Southside School, retiring in 2017. She also helped Michael with his furniture business, The Acorn Shop.
She loved working in her garden, growing beautiful flowers and vegetables. Cathy also enjoyed bird watching and maintaining her beautiful birdhouses and feeders around her yard. She was a talented cook and baker, and she enjoyed cheering on the Denver Broncos with her family.
Cathy’s biggest passion in life was her family. She dearly loved her husband, children, and grandchildren; we have all lost our biggest supporter, caregiver, and advisor. She was selfless, kind, gracious, and loving.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael, and her parents.
She is survived by her sons, James (Stephanie) Peterson and Jacob (Jhona) Peterson; grandchildren, Ryan, Adrienne, and Kimber; brothers, Robert (Nancy) Pepperl, Donald (Joanne) Pepperl, and James (Mary) Pepperl; and sisters, JoAnn Mattison, Mary Pepperl, and Theresa (Kenneth) Groathouse.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Scott Taylor says
So sorry to hear about your Mother…I did work for her and Mike years ago…she was a kind, sweet person…Scott and Gail Taylor.
Kathy Rauch says
I was sad to hear about your mom’s death. Her and I taught at Southside many years together. Our rooms were next to each other. Cathy was a very sweet, gentle lady. Praying for your family.
Virgil and Kathy Rauch
Nancy Craig says
Dear James and Jacob,
Sending our deepest condolences to each of you at this very sad time. Your mother was so well-liked, and she was so very dedicated to teaching and nurturing her students, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. You and your families are in our prayers. Your beautiful memories of your mother have now become your treasures. Love, Nancy, Jim, Jamie, Jeff, Ted, and Shane
Bill Dugan says
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Cathy. We shared a lot of good times with your family. We are sure that she will be greatly missed. Holly and Bill Dugan
Jean Archdale says
Oh my, i am so very sorry to read about your mom and grandma. I wish I had words that would help but I know that there just aren’t any. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers in the weeks ahead. Losing our parents is such a hard loss, we suddenly don’t have mom to talk to during hard times or just to have a quick visit. Jhona, call me if you need to talk, live to you all.
Aunt Jeannie
Kathy Dunne says
My deepest condolences to your family. I worked across the hall from Cathy for several years. She was always kind, upbeat, and gracious to me and all those she interacted with at Southside Elementary. Such a sweet person.
Edie and Dave Allen says
James and Jacob. We were so sad to hear of your moms passing. Edie taught with her at southside many years and has fond memories of working with her there. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May the good lord be with you all.
Raymond & Patricia Figgins says
James & Stephanie, Jacob and Jhona, You all have our deepest condolences. I sure enjoyed meeting Cathy at our house and seeing her love for Kimber and you kids. Ray spoke so often of her welcoming him in her home. You are so special to us and we know you miss her so much.
Ray and Pat
Maureen Piersak says
I was saddened to hear of Cathy’s passing. I worked with her at Southside. She was always so caring to her students and coworkers. No doubt, she made a difference in the many lives of children that passed through her classroom. May you find comfort and peace in the knowledge that she was held in high regard of those that knew her.
Patty Berge says
James and Jacob,
I am very sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. I was very lucky to have had her teaching down the hall from me at Southside.
My heart goes out to you and all your family as you navigate this loss of your Mom.
I pray that memories help mend your grief and friends lighten your days.
Ann Baker says
My sincere condolences to James and Jacob and their families. Cathy was an amazing caring and loving teacher. It was my privilege to have the opportunity to work wit her.