Obituary of Sherley "Lee" Fae Peterson

Sherley (“Lee”) Fae Peterson; beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend let her spirit be free to go with our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ, on Thursday, Jan 13th, 2022, of natural causes.
“Lee” was born Dec 4th, 1932 in Santa Clara, Ca. to her parents Marietta Fay/John Watson. At the age of 7 she, her parents and only sibling, sister Gloria, moved to Napa, Ca. In 1948 she and family moved to Modesto, Ca. There, in high school, she was a member of the “Patrician Sorority.” She graduated from Modesto High School in 1950. She went to Stanford University for a year and a half. She enlisted in the Air Force summer of 1952.
After base training in Texas and Florida she met the love of her life, Robert J. Peterson, Sr. while stationed in Palm Beach, Florida, in Oct 1952. They married Nov 2nd 1952 in Kingsland, Ga.
She was then stationed to Westover Air Force Base, Chickapee Falls, Mass. There she was a Lord Master in Cargo Air Craft (Weights & Balance) until end of Nov 1952, when she ended her tour of duty for expecting her first child. She and Robert moved to Smokey Hills Air Force Base in Salina, Ks. where their first child was born. In late 1953 their family was transferred to Mtn. Home Air Force Base, Mtn. Home, Id. There, they celebrated the birth of their 2nd child.
After Robert completed his tour of duty, the family moved to Corvallis, Or. where Robert would go and complete his Pharmaceutical schooling at Oregon State University. Lee worked part-time at a local pharmacy and the family welcomed a 3rd child.
After Robert graduated in 1957 the family moved to Eugene and continued to live there for the next 65 years. There they would complete the family with twins. Lee was blessed as a beloved wife, mother and homemaker for her family. Boy, could she fix wonderful meals/desserts!
In the 1970s she would fulfill a dream and passion of being a florist at Chase Flower & Gifts. She truly enjoyed flowers and creating beautiful arrangements. After they closed, she went to work at “Town & Travel.” There, she met a special friend who introduced her to the Philanthropic Education Organization (P.E.O.), which provides scholarships and grants to women for Higher Education. In 2000 she became a part of the P.E.O. sisterhood and continued until her passing. She also enjoyed family gatherings and the coast.
Sherley “Lee” is survived by her husband of 69 years, Robert J. Peterson Sr., 4 children (Barbara L. Reed; Robert J. Peterson II (wife Suzanne); John R. Peterson; Alecia L. Galusha; and a son Gordon G. Peterson, who proceeded her in death in 2020); 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
We, as a family, want to Thank all those that helped “Lee”, especially these last couple of years. We know she appreciated you all as well. Thank you, all, again.
“Momma”, Mom, Nana Choo, Grandma, Grandma Smurf and Great Grama – you are missed, loved and always will be. We all feel so blessed you were who you were to each one of us. Dad (Papa Choo, Grandpa Smurf) will be well taken care of. There will always be an emptiness in our hearts, but we know you are at peace and resting in the arms of our Lord and His Son. We love you forever and always.
In lieu of flowers you may make a contribution to P.E.O., checks written to “Chapter F2” mail to Gwen Childs at 3727 Norwich Ave, Eugene, OR 97408. A public service will be held on Thursday, Jan 27, 2022 at 11:00am at Musgrove Family Mortuary chapel.
Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com.