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Irene Peters Obituary
Irene was born in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada on June 30, 1923, the only daughter of Albert and Ida-Ellen Hurst, and sister to brothers Albert, Harold, Edward and Harvey. She maintained loving ties throughout her life with family and friends.
She was a Graduate of the Toronto General Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1946, and recipient of the Dr. Walter Bingham Memorial Prize in Operating Room Nursing; subsequently earned a diploma in Operating Room Technique and Management from the New York Postgraduate Medical Institute and Hospital in New York city, and Bachelors, Masters, and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study Degrees from the University of New Hampshire.
She married John Philip Peters in New York in 1947 and moved with him to Dover, New Hampshire where they made their home and joyfully welcomed their two sons.
Widowed in 1962, Irene worked as Operating Room supervisor and an instructor in the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital School of Nursing. In 1966 she joined the New Hampshire State Department of Education as a consultant for the transition of health education programs from hospitals to degree-granting community colleges. From 1945 until her retirement in 1987 she worked as Vice-President for Education and Research at the N.H. Hospital Association.
Her public service career included advisory positions at Rivier and New Hampshire Colleges, and the Universities of New Hampshire and Connecticut. She served on boards of the Philbrook Foundation, Crotched Mountain Foundation, the New England Hospital Assembly, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals in Chicago, the U.S. Postal Service, and the New Hampshire State Prison. She served extensively as chairman of the Board of Governors of the NH Department of Post-Secondary Education, and on several governor and congressional study committees on health related issues. She was a member of a number of health and education related professional organizations. In retirement she was an active volunteer state leader in health advocacy services for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Education and Research Foundations have been established in her name at both the Department of Post-Secondary Department of Education at the N.H. Technical Institute and at the University of New Hampshire.
Burial will be in Dover, New Hampshire. Some of her ashes are to be buried with her family in Gravenhurst.
Irene treasured her family and friends, and asks that, in lieu of cards and flowers, they raise a glass of wine to her memory and remember the less-fortunate in their prayers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Irene Peters
Lesley Smith
August 6, 2023
I was saddened to learn of Irene´s passing. She was an esteemed friend and colleague of my father´s, Col. Leslie A Smith, at the NH Hospital Association. She worked tirelessly for NH, the nurses and hospitals. My parents Polly and Smitty adored her. With love, Lesley Ann Smith
Mary Giran
May 2, 2021
My condolences to my auntie, well remembered, with our last meeting, and made my dad happy to see her, God bless her family as they still morn her, as i also morn her, as we tried to keep in touch, my blessis to cousin Douglas, and Brian and family, love you all Mary
Kathrine Irene King
November 4, 2020
I always will remember my Great Auntie Irene as a pleasant lady who loved to laugh. She would come to visit on occasion to my grandparents farm (Albert and Doris Hurst) on Swords Road near Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada.
I vaguely remember Douglas and Brian as my shy cousins. One of whom played for a Philharmonic orchestra.
I was named after her for my middle name as was my mother Doris (Hurst) King. I have a cousin Irene named after her by her parents Albert and Betty Hurst.
My condolences to the family for the loss of a great lady full of fun.
I wanted to get down to visit her but she left too soon.
In Love and Light
Kathy
Tyler Foss
September 25, 2020
Rest in peace, Mrs. Peters.
I offer condolences and prayers for the entire family during this time of sadness.
I will indeed raise a glass in your memory and remember the less fortunate in my prayers.
Sarah Harrison
September 25, 2020
In loving memory of the most intelligent woman I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Even though we met at the latter part of your life I feel so blessed to have met you. We had a bond that was priceless, and I will never forget that. We shared many great talks, walks, and crossword puzzles. She was loved very much and will be missed always. Goodnight Irene!
Sarah Harrison
September 25, 2020
In loving memory of the most amazing woman I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Even though we met at the latter part of Irene's life, I feel like I have known her for a lifetime. We developed a special bond in our short 4-year relationship. I will cherish the time we had together; all the many great talks, walks, and crossword puzzles. I am thankful for her guidance and the abundance of wisdom that she shared. We love you and will miss you always. Goodnight Irene!
Janet Story Clark
September 25, 2020
To Doug and family, What a long life so well-lived by your mother. We worked closely together at the NH Hospital Association and her dedication, intelligence and sense of humor made every day there a good one. She was Irene-o; I was Janetto, so even our "good mornings" made us smile. I send my deepest sympathy to you.
Sue Poulin
September 22, 2020
My sympathy goes out to Irene's family. I worked for Irene at the NH Hospital Assn Foundation in the 70s. She quickly became my friend and mentor and I have lived by her example. She was a kind, loving and gracious lady. I am blessed to have been a part of her life.
Major Wheelock
September 22, 2020
My sympathy to the family of Irene. I enjoyed her friendship as we often worked together in various public ventures to improve health and education in New Hampshire. She was highly dedicated to the cause and was a gracious lady at all times.
September 21, 2020
I am so saddened to lose this fond friend. She has the best quality and amazing personality that is hard to find from others. Job well done! life well lived! RIP. Her life and friendship I remember, now and forever! My prayer and sympathy goes to the whole family! David L, Manchester, NH
Dolly Cottle LaRochelle
September 21, 2020
Dear Doug & Family...heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your Mother. I have found memories of her growing up. May you find peace in your memories.
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