May 19, 2010

A legacy of love: Catholic mother and teacher remembered

Special to the Denver Catholic Register

Ann Marie Peterson was a devoted and passionate Catholic school teacher. Educated throughout her entire life in Catholic schools, she worked for the Archdiocese of Denver for 15 years, with the last 10 as a fourth-grade teacher at St. Thomas More School in Centennial. She taught religion, math and language arts and held the belief that all children could succeed.

“She embraced her vocation even in her personal relationship with all her children,” said Don Peterson, Ann’s husband of 41 years. “She wanted to teach her children everything she learned and hoped that they would have the same thirst for life that she did.”

Many of the children she taught would often come back and visit her.

“Part of Ann’s legacy was the relationships she built with the students,” Peterson said. “A lot of it has to do with the faith formation. She enjoyed sharing her love of God and his Church and showed how to live in love and respect for others. She had an impact particularly with kids that age.”

Ann was also a devoted mother and grandmother. She instilled Catholic values in her children Shellie, Kim and Eric and three grandchildren Kaitlyn, Jack and Thomas.

“These are real important qualities,” Peterson said, “as it is the one thing our families really need today.”

In memory of Ann’s teaching career her children and husband started the Ann Peterson Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund will provide assistance to students attending St. Thomas More Catholic School whose families are in need of financial assistance.

“We want to honor our mother,” said Eric Peterson. “Mom believed in Catholic school education and we want to make sure as many children as possible are able to receive that same faith formation and challenging education she provided throughout her career.”

The Petersons established the scholarship fund at The Catholic Foundation. Bud Laber, president, said the foundation was pleased to assist the Peterson family in honoring the legacy of their wife and mother.

“Ann was a loving wife and extraordinary mother, a devoted servant of the Church and a dedicated Catholic school teacher,” Laber said. “The foundation is dedicated to supporting Catholic school education and helping families express their desires for the longevity for the Church. Through this fund Ann’s commitment to Catholic education will live on.”

Peterson was a wife, a mother, a mentor and a model. She not only taught school, family members said, but most important, she taught about life. To support the Ann Peterson Memorial Scholarship Fund or to learn more about creating a legacy honoring the faith, hope and love of a family member, contact Bud Laber at The Catholic Foundation at 303-468-9885 or visit online at www.thecatholic foundation.com.