Patricia “Pat” Lou Peterson

Patricia “Pat” Lou Peterson

Patricia Peterson, 86, passed away suddenly on December 27, 2025. Pat was born

September 28, 1939 to the late Charles and Alberta Connor of Lafayette. Her siblings, who preceded her in death, were Charles (wife Nancy, surviving) Connor and Sister M. Patricia, born Ann Connor.

Pat attended St. Lawrence school, graduated from St. Francis High School, and was a devoted member of Catholic churches of Lafayette. Pat worked briefly at Kresge and Purdue, then in 1957 married her one and only sweetheart for 63 years, Jim Peterson, who passed in 2021. This began her lifelong passion and pursuit of homemaking with caring consistency and creativity.

In addition to managing her household she worked alongside her husband to keep the Clegg Botanical Gardens accessible to the public every day for 47 years. She was a founding and continuous member of the Tippecanoe County Hillwood Home Extension club and two quilting clubs. Her interest and skills in couponing, cooking, and sewing are remembered by her family and others she blessed.

Pat followed the Cincinnati Reds faithfully, listened to the Statler Brothers, and fed the birds and deer around her home.

Like the woman in Proverbs 31 she got up while still night, worked with eager hands and watched over the affairs of her household. Her family honors her for all the works her hands have done and all the love she showered over them.

She is survived by four children Kathy (Jerry) Siefers of West Lafayette, Brian (Sabra) of Pennsylvania, Janet Post of Texas, and Eric (Lee) Peterson of Tennessee. Also surviving are her nine grandchildren: Angie, Joseph, William, Joshua, Sarah, Jeff, Brandon, Lori, and Kevin. And her thirteen great-grandchildren: John, Noah, Andrew, Quinn, Connor, Declan, Liam, Calvin, Sara, Tyler, Marie, Julia, and Abby.

Pat treasured her husband, children, grandchildren and great grand-children and looked forward to having them with her at Christmas, her favorite season. She was joyfully preparing for this gathering on the day preceding her passing.

Visiting hours will be from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette, IN 47909. A graveside service will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Pat’s honor to St. Ann Church, to NICHES, or to the charity of your choice.

You may leave condolences and memories at www.soller-baker.com