Martha Ann Clark Peterson

Martha Ann Clark Peterson, 88, of Roanoke, Va., died Thursday, May 27, 2010. She was born in Rocky Mount, N.C. in 1921 and grew up in Orlando, Fla., but she said her life did not really begin until she married a young major she met at a dance during World War II, and together they raised their family. Surviving are their children, Ann Orem, Tom Peterson (Shelley), Jane Wheeler (Skip), John Peterson (Nancy), and David Peterson; grandchildren, Alison Dolan, Katie Hnath (Austin), David Spencer (Kate), Mary Kirk Peterson; greatgrandchildren, Annie Dolan and Emme Hnath. Also surviving are her sister, Mary Conry; brother-in-law, John Peterson and sister-in-law, Anna Young. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Thomas Dolan Peterson; sister, Jo Caldwell; brother, Jack Clark; and her parents, Charles Clark and Mary Clark Perry. Martha Ann took an active part in the community as a Girl Scout Leader, as a member of various boards, including Roanoke Symphony, Roanoke Opera Society, Great Books, St. John's Knitters, South Hill Garden Club, American Symphony Volunteer Council, and her bridge group, the Ding-a-Lings. A voracious reader herself, her favorite writers were Liza Field, Bill Wheeler, and Mary Bishop. Her favorite movie was "Jewel in the Crown". Memorials may be made to St. John's and Hospice. Funeral services are private. Friends and family are invited to meet Friday, June 4, 2010, at 5 p.m. at 2411 Crystal Spring Ave. to celebrate the life and times of this fascinating woman. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel & Crematory, 540-982-2100.