Sue Ann Peterson

Sue Ann Peterson passed peacefully at her home of 70 years on January 18, 2025, with tender care provided by her family, Kaweah Hospice and Visiting Angels. Sue Ann is remembered as an optimistic, faithful, resilient, intelligent, hardworking, thoughtful and generous example for us all. Her ever ready, unforgettable beautiful smile defined her person and her approach to Life. Sue Ann was born to Jim and Marada Coopman on February 20, 1935 in Visalia, California, and her sister Jamey Lynn was born three years later. She graduated from Mills College with a Degree in Music and married Marshall Reid Wanzer in 1955. Their family of four children; Jim, Elizabeth, Mary and Jane soon followed. Sue Ann was a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker. She gardened, canned, baked bread, sewed, knitted, taught Sunday School, taught each of her children to play piano and somehow made it all look easy. In the midst of raising her family, she went back to college and earned her RN Degree in the first nursing class of COS. We were so very proud of her. After Marshall's death in 1977, she took over the farming of Edgewood Orchards, and with the help and tutelage of kind neighbor farmers and a lot of determination, she became a successful agribusiness woman. In 1978 she married Calvin Baldwin and they enjoyed many wonderful years farming together, traveling abroad, enjoying opera and celebrating their families. They enjoyed many trips to her favorite get-away, the family Beach Cabin in Capitola. Cal passed away in 1996. Sue Ann later married Arthur Peterson. Sue Ann's dedication to her faith was paramount in her life. Wherever she was, whether at home, traveling abroad or at the beach cabin, she sought out an Episcopal Church for Sunday service. She was sent to Laos by the church to teach English as a second language, and considered it a privilege and an adventure. Sue Ann was especially devoted to St. Clements Anglican Church in Woodlake where she served as organist, vestry member, staff support and legendary lemon bar maker. Her church family meant a great deal to her. She gave relentlessly of her time and talent and her generosity in the community knew no bounds. We are all very grateful for the gift of her Life, and the gift of her Love which forever resides in each of us. Sue Ann's immediate family members include: Sister, Jamey Francis Children, Grandchildren: James Wanzer, deceased( Bette) Krista, Sarah Elizabeth Klein(Arnie) Matthew, Sean Mary Wanzer-Simonds(Tim) Benjamin, Caleb Jane Sorensen(Brad) Aaron, Megan Greatgrandchildren: Clark, Cambria, A.J., Marshall, Luca, Liam, Jacob, Owen, Isabella and Hazel Stepchildren, Step- Grandchildren: Libby Foucht, Lindsey, Hillary Anthony Silveira(Mary) Angela, Christopher Sue Ann had numerous extended family members who each know their special place in her heart. A family church service is planned for February 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St Clements Anglican Church, Woodlake. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will follow at 11:30 at 137 Events, 137 South E. St. In Exeter. Sue Ann's favorite color was pink so we encourage all who would like, to wear a pink accent of some sort. For those who wish to make a donation, Open Arms Hospice House in Visalia and the Visalia Pregnancy Crisis Center are suggested. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Sue Ann Peterson

February 20, 1935 - January 18, 2025