Jean Hoadley Peterson

Jean Hoadley Peterson

Jean Peterson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 18, 2001.
They weren't supposed to be on United Flight 93, but they got to the Newark airport early, and their original flight was late and crowded.

So Donald and Jean Peterson, planning to fly to San Francisco for an annual family trip to Yosemite National Park, grabbed seats 14A and 14C on Flight 93. They died when their plane crashed into the rolling hills of Pennsylvania.

"He was coming to see me in a few weeks, which is heartbreaking," said David Peterson, Donald Peterson's eldest son, who lives in Hawaii and hadn't seen his father in a year.

More than 1,000 people came to a service for the couple.

Donald Peterson, 66, former head of Continental Electric in New Jersey and a former member of the New Jersey Board of Education, had started working as a Christian missionary about 10 years ago with his wife. Jean Peterson, 55, had just held her first grandchild, one of her three daughters said.

David Peterson and family members of other Flight 93 victims traveled to the crash site. He stared at the scorched trees for what he thought was five minutes.

He was told he stood there for an hour.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Jean Peterson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 29, 2020

Hannah Gilligan posted to the memorial.

November 23, 2018

The Kindred Family posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2018

Kathy posted to the memorial.

Hannah Gilligan

September 29, 2020

Mrs.Jean Hoadley Peterson, I am a high school student who was assigned to choose someone I related to who lost their life during the attacks. I chose you. You dedicated your life to serving the Lord and others. I am also a woman of faith and I respect you greatly. You worked as a nurse and that it what I plan to do after high school. I read that you were also a crisis pregnancy counselor and I want to be a labor and delivery nurse, so I feel that we have the love of babies in common. Thank you for your selfless work during your life. You are an inspiration to everyone from your bravery, your dedication to the Lord and the helping of others. We will never forget. May God bless you and your family. With honor and respect, Hannah G.

The Kindred Family

November 23, 2018

We send our deep sympathy for the loss of Jean and Don. With each new day may God give the needed strength to cope. Both of them will always be sadly missed.

Kathy

September 11, 2018

Never Forgotten!! Fly High with your Husband!!

S.J. Friscia III

June 5, 2017

In Memory with
Honor & Respect.

Del Newberry

October 6, 2015

I pause today to remember Donald and Jean, two people I never met this side of heaven, but I wanted to offer my support and encouragement to the many friends and relatives that they left behind. May we honor their memory by 'going about the Father's business' and making the world a better place. Much love from Texas

Diane Wall

January 18, 2014

I took a State College friend to the crash site last April. Seeing all the names on the wall saddened us--and now I am crying again because I found this site. My sympathy to your family and all the families who lost loved ones on that day. We will NEVER forgot.

January 30, 2013

To The Family,
9/11 is a day that all of us would like to forget, but we will never forget the many persons that died on that fateful flight. I am so sorry for your losses. God bless you.

Sincerely,
Mr. Terry of NC

Stephanie Brown

March 6, 2010

Jean, I'll never forget you, or your supportive help and friendship in Bible study. I know that God placed you on that flight, for He knew everyone on board would need a prayer warrior among them - you.

Shandi

September 11, 2008

Thank You

Peggy Childers

September 11, 2008

To the family of Jean and Donald Peterson:
Jean and Donald gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. My deepest sympathy to you. We must never forget!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Doug Abraham

May 20, 2008

Happy Birthday!!!

Erin Wolfendale

September 11, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with Jean Hoadley Peterson's family. Her daughter Jennifer Price was my teacher over 10 years ago, and just her presents in my life continues to make me a better person. I didn't know Mrs. Hoadley Peterson but I know she must of been a wonderful woman for raising such a remarkable daughter.

Sandy S

September 10, 2007

I attended an estate sale about a year after 9/11. It was strange that someone came out and was hanging pictures. Then, an announcement was made that the home belonged to the Peterson's who had perished on flight 93. Many people were buying Christmas decorations in memoriam. Somewhere on one of the book shelves, I noticed a little ceramic jointed bear wearing a fireman's hat/uniform. It reminded me of all the firefighters lost on that tragic day. I have carried it with me each 9/11 since mentioning the names of Jean Hoadley and Donald A. Peterson to all who will listen. It is a tangible connection to that fateful day and I will carry it with me on 9/11 for as long as I am able to carry. My heart goes out the Peterson family on this day and every day that they must go on without the presence of their loved ones, Donald and Jean.

Debbie , Kenny Coffey

September 9, 2007

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

P Tabbernor

September 1, 2007

In remembrance....

Doug Abraham

May 20, 2007

Happy Birthday!!!

Chris Bassoo

January 8, 2007

From Chris Bassoo and family...I just saw the A & E movie and our hearts go out to your family (we wanted to send our prayers to every family from this flight)...Our prayers and thoughts are with you...we will never forget..warmest of regards Chris Bassoo (your northern friends)

Kristine

January 4, 2007

As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

Erica

September 11, 2006

We will NOT forget! I pray God will bless your family!

Denise Christian

September 11, 2006

Jean is a true American Hero & will always be remembered on this day & forever by so many of us who will never forget. God Bless Her Family!!! Denise, Deanna, Angie & Cristina

Helen Sotiriou

September 2, 2006

As the fifth anniversary approaches, I am reminded of the horrible events of that day. As events were unfolding in New York, I remember speaking to Jennifer before she realized her mom was on Flight 93 and she commented on how her parents had apparently choosen a bad day to fly (coincidentally, her father was also scheduled to fly that day). When her colleagues got the phone call the next day that Jen's mother and step-father had taken an earlier flight and had been on Flight 93, we were stunned and saddened beyond words. Even today, five short years later, I shake my head in disbelief that these events occurred. Today Jennifer is the mother of two beautiful girls. I regret deeply that her mother is not here today to enjoy her family.

Bobby Ferguson

April 30, 2006

I sent one earleir but I thought I would write one on my own, I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one may God be with you and your family I know it's been several years I should've wrote something then. God Bless You!!!!!

Bobby Ferguson

April 30, 2006

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Pam Beers

January 13, 2006

Everyone on this flight was, and IS my hero.

Charlie/Cherryl Boucher

September 12, 2005

Dear Jennifer, Grace and Katherine,



We were so saddened to realized that your mom was on fight 93. We watched the Discovery special last evening and her picture at the end of the special caught Charlie's attention.

You may not remember us as it was over 20 years ago when we were blessed to have worked with your mom when she was the nurse at "Oceanwood" in Maine. We are sure Jennifer would remember her time there as she was older.

What a witness for Christ her life was through the years.

Our love and prayers are with you all.

Elizabeth Moorhouse Rhodes

September 24, 2004

To Jean's daughters,

I, too, was one of your mother's classmates in nursing school. Just today, September 23, 2004, I read the news in our Rochester Alumni Magazine of your tragic loss , and indeed became very grieved in attempt to process this reality. I still think of us as young girls, in love with the dream of becoming nurses, comforting little children, holding the hands of lonely and sick people, bringing sunshine to each new patient we would meet daily. All this, plus we shared the unique distinction our senior year of being among the very few married girls in our class. She spoke fondly of Cornell and her trips to Ithaca, and remarked about how easy it was to buy groceries and even save money on her $30 weekly food allowance! Ironically, I moved to Ithaca directly from Rochester, and have been here eversince, raising our five children and still being a nurse. To read that your mother was a missionary really touched my heart; may God's loving arms continue to hold and comfort you.I send my deepest sympathy.

Susan Davis

September 15, 2004

Dear Jennifer, Grace and Catherine, I was a good friend of your mother's during our University of Rochester Years. Jennifer, I believe you even came to visit us in Bethlehem as an infant, I have a son about your age. We lost touch in the early 80's, so the annual Christmas Card letters stopped. I was shocked and saddened to learn today, more than 3 years later that Jean was on Flight 93. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and please know that Jean will always be a very pleasant part of my memories as she always has been in the past.

Judy Goldthorp

March 11, 2004

Jean and I were classmates in nursing school at the University of Rochester. I have thought of her many times in the last two years, as I have visited memorial internet sites for 9-11. I know that she is greatly missed by her family.

Blake McCrary

February 15, 2004

Reflecting today again on the tragic events of 9/11. I first learned about Mrs. Peterson when donating blood last year as donations were being memorialized for 9/11 victims and I received Joan's name as my memorial donation. Joan, please know that though we never met, I keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. May the world always remember you and the other brave souls that lost their lives on 9/11. May God bless and comfort your family and loved ones.

Blake McCrary

January 20, 2004

May Bless you and your Family . you are in my prayers

Karl,Debbie,Heather,Matt&Alana Peterson

September 12, 2002

Jennifer,Grace&Catherine,

Heather e-mailed this to us from college yesterday. Just know that we think of you often and hope you are okay. Uncle Don & Aunt Jean are in our hearts and prayers every day. We know they are serving a higher purpose-in a better place. God Bless, Karl,Deb,Heather,Matt&Alana

Joy Toll-Chandler

September 9, 2002

Jennifer, Grace, and Catherine:

Your mom welcomed me into her home almost twenty years ago. I still remember you all - at home and at camp! Jean was a very special person, and she shared so much of herself. She actually helped to prepare me for difficult times in my life, as she shared the joys and struggles of her own. She loved the three of you with all her heart. I will keep you in my prayers during these difficult days. Joy

Jay Mccrary

August 14, 2002

I want to first express my deepest condolences and sympathy to all friends and relatives of Jean Hoadley Peterson and her husband. I have been personally touched by her life and the tragic events of Sept. 11th today and will from this day forward will always keep her in my thoughts and prayers. I went to the United Blood Services office this afternoon to give blood and was advised that they were asking donors to sign a ribbon and be a sponsor for a Sept.11th victim. The name I was given was Jean Hoadley Peterson. Please know that although I never met or knew you that your spirit and courage now buoys me and I will keep your memory aand the memory of all the victims forever with me. May God bless all of her loved ones and give them comfort, healing and the conviction that these senseless deaths were not in vain. Jay Mccrary

Meghan Andrieu

March 18, 2002

This is in memory of Don and Jean

*to Grace, Catherine and Jen

You are all in my prayers and Grace although time goes by in between our chats remember I still love you

***I remember the time that we got snowed in at your house and Don made us shovel the driveway. Although we didn't want to do it your mom said we would get movies and hot chocolate after. YOU KNOW ME AND MY CHOCOLATE!! I hope that you get to read this. I miss you all. Love, Meghan

Joseph Moore

March 11, 2002

Today is the sixth month anniversary of that terrible day in our Nation's history. I only learned of Jean's fate when I got my Manheim Township Alumni Newletter in Decemeber 2001. I was so saddened to learn the news. Jean and I were very close friends during our Jr. and Senior High School days. We dated and double dated and shared many school activities together in our youth. Jean was a great friend and I am certain she was an outstanding mother. She always had a special charm and love of people and was a faithful Christian. While it had been many years since I last saw Jean, it was like it was yesterday and the loss was so close. My family and I send our love to her daughters, friends and relatives and trust that the Lord has made a very special place in heaven for his faithful followers Jean and Donald Patterson.

Teresa Jahn

January 12, 2002

We are deeply sorry for our nation's loss of Jean and Donald. May their lives and love live on in all who love them. May warm memories of times together lighten the sorrow in your hearts. I believe God cried deeply when He saw the evil that took the lives of His innocent children before their time. In the shadows of darkness they cried out His name. They found shelter and protection from human pain as He lovingly embraced them. Cradled in His arms earthly cries became heavenly songs as angels were born. Our hearts cry deeply with you in America's loss of a hero.

America Cries

We see your sorrow-

and our hearts cry....

We can not erase your pain

but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-

-the American people-

are beside you.

We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,

the strength that gives you courage,

and the words to lighten your spirits.

And when we are left speechless

may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts

to ease your sorrow.

May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-

-the American people-

face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn

Dixon, IL

Nancy Bergman

January 10, 2002

To the Peterson daughters:



My name is Nancy Bergman and I am wearing a Mercy Band with Jean Hoadley Peterson's name on it. I too have daughters (grown) and 5 grandchildren. I feel that by wearing her bracelet I am helping keep her memory alive. I am so sorry for your loss



Nancy Bergman

Denver, Colorado

Jennifer Davis

December 30, 2001

To the surviving family of Jean and Don;

I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathy to the Hoadley and Peterson Family.

There must have been a reason why they were the 'chosen ones', as only very special people could have been chosen to handle themselves in that type of unbelieveable situation. I certainly would not be worthy of that role myself.

May they always rest in peace!

From; your 'extended' side of the family, The Davis'.

We will never forget them.

Mary Beth Ekstrom

December 25, 2001

I received my Mercy Band bracelet with the name of Jean Hoadley Peterson as a Christmas present from my daughter. I will wear it every day in tribute to Jean and her family and for all who suffer from this tragedy.

John & Agate McNamara

November 17, 2001

To Jean's Daughters:



We remember you and your mother fondly and our deeply saddened by her passing. May she and Don rest in peace.



John, Agate, Matthew and Morgan

Michael Bryson

November 12, 2001

to the children of jean peterson I would like to send you a song called Flight 93 "American Hero"in memory of all who lost there life on 9-11-01, now live in all the hearts of America

Dick Spencer

October 9, 2001

All three of your girls will be "strong" survivors and will be taken care of, Jean. Not to worry. God bless you.

BARBARA BOLIN

October 3, 2001

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

JEAN MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

Jennifer Price

September 24, 2001

Jean Peterson was a great mother. She spent her life trying to raise three girls. We sure gave her a hard time, but in the end she taught us so much. I will really miss her, but mom I promise never to forget you.....

David Gotthelf

September 22, 2001

I met Jean Peterson only a few weeks earlier. She had come up to Massachusetts to help with her daughter Jennifer's new baby girl. I work with Jennifer, and her spirit and energy are surely instilled from her mother. She, and all of the other passengers on United Flight 93, are national heroes, for their efforts no doubt spared the nation from an even greater tragedy of that plane hitting a fourth target.

Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results

Make a Donation
in Jean Peterson's name

How to support Jean 's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jean Peterson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign Jean Peterson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 29, 2020

Hannah Gilligan posted to the memorial.

November 23, 2018

The Kindred Family posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2018

Kathy posted to the memorial.