Jean Elizabeth (Isham) Peters

Jean Elizabeth Isham Peters (1924 - 2024)

Jean was born in Willimantic, CT on May 15, 1924 to Edith Viola (Lyman) and Philip Henry Isham and was a resident of Columbia, CT for the first 90 years of her life. She moved to Rhode Island in 2014 where she passed away on March 25, 2024, at the Hattie Ide Chaffee Home in Riverside, RI, 51 days shy of her 100th birthday.

Jean was educated in the Columbia public schools. She graduated in 1942 from Windham High School in Willimantic, CT. Following graduation, she was employed for several years as a switchboard operator by the Southern New England Telephone Company in Willimantic, CT.

Throughout her life, Jean was a member of the Columbia Congregational Church. She sang in the youth and Senior Choirs for several decades. She served as a Deacon and was a member of several Church committees and groups over the years.

As she was completing high school while many Columbia residents were entering the military to serve their country in World War II, Jean was instrumental in the founding of the Columbia Older Girls Society (COGS). The organization's original mission was to publish a periodic newsletter that was mailed to Columbia service men and women to keep them informed about happenings at home while they were away. After the War, the COGS dedicated their efforts to providing for a permanent monument on Columbia Green listing the names of all from Columbia who served in the war. Once they accomplished this goal, the COGS continued to meet socially for several decades.

Jean was married in 1946 to the late George E. Peters, Sr. They made their home in Columbia with their three sons. They were married for 58 years.

During the 1950's and early 1960's, Jean served as Secretary of the Columbia Board of Education and as Assistant Town Clerk. She also served for many years as a Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack 62 in Columbia and was an active member of the Columbia P.T.A.

Jean was employed for many years as Clerk and later Secretary at the Horace W. Porter School. In 1965, she was presented with a special citation by the school faculty, administration, and staff for excellence and dedication to her profession. Later in her career, she served as Secretary to the Columbia Superintendent of Schools until her retirement in the late 1980's.

Jean had a lifelong interest in music, arts, and crafts. She enjoyed playing her Hammond organ. She did a great deal of tole painting and enjoyed working with oils and pastels. She also re-caned a set of antique Hitchcock chairs owned by her grandparents for use in the family dining room.

During the summer months, Jean and George enjoyed staying at their cottage on Columbia Lake. Once retired, they wintered at their condo in Fort Myers, FL.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Hattie Ide Chaffee Home and of Hope Hospice for providing such wonderful care during Jean's final years!

Jean is survived by her three sons: The Rev. Dr. George E. Peters, Jr. (Janice) of East Providence, RI; Dr. Thomas B. Peters (Sharen) of Mansfield Center, CT; and Craig L. Peters (the late Joyce) of Columbia, CT.  She also is survived by her four grandchildren: Amy Clark (Andrew) of Medford, MA; Justin Peters (Amy Barrett) of Coventry, RI; Jenna Konaktchiev (Stoyan) of Weatogue, CT; and Erin Niemczyk (Ryan) of Columbia, CT. Survivors also include her seven great grandchildren: Amelia and Eliza Clark; Margot Peters; Jake and Brynne Henderson; and Joshua and Benjamin Niemczyk.

Jean was predeceased by her brother Philip H. (Hank) Isham and by her sister Patricia A. Horyczka. Her nephew Gary P. Isham of San Antonio, TX also survives her.

A Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the Columbia Congregational Church, 325 Route 87, Columbia, CT. The burial will take place PRIOR to the church service at 9:30 AM in the West Street Burying Ground, Lake Road, Columbia, CT. Family and friends are invited to both the burial and the church service with a reception following. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Columbia Congregational Church, P.O. Box 177, Columbia, CT 06237.

For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements are with Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln, RI.

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