Betsy Kathleen Peter

Betsy Kathleen (Bowen) Peter, 69, passed away October 19, 2013, in her Virginia Beach, VA home after a lengthy struggle with cancer. Her husband of 46 years, Paul B. Peter, was at her side. A native of Halifax County, Virginia, where growing up she was known as Kathleen. Mrs. Peter moved to Virginia Beach in 1965 a recent graduate of Longwood College and a newly hired teacher at Windsor Woods Elementary School. She left Windsor Woods Elementary School in 1973 to concentrate on raising two children. She returned to teaching in 1987 and taught at White Oaks and Plaza Elementary Schools until retiring in 2010. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Michael B. Peter of Virginia Beach, VA and Brandon Peter of Norfolk, VA; her father, Herbert Bowen of Virgilina, in Halifax County; a sister, Martha Brame of Boyton, VA; and grandchildren, Caitlyn Grace Peter and Emma Hope Peter. Her mother, Aurie Bowen preceded her in death. Mrs. Peter was "a true professional" when it came to dealing with her young pupils, parents, and other educators, said Dr. Mary Daniels, currently principal of Seatack Elementry School. Dr. Daniels was principal of Plaza Elementary School when Mrs. Peter retired. "She cared about children and she wanted them to excel," Dr. Daniels said. "She was kind and caring. I never once heard her raise her voice to the children, and all the other teachers liked and respected her." A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2013, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 5181 Singleton Way in Virginia Beach, VA. Mrs. Peter was a member of the church, volunteered on the alter guild, and taught Sunday School. The Reverend John Baldwin is in charge of the service. A reception will follow the service in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either Emmanuel Episcopal Church or the Rotary Club of Hampton Roads Foundation for its program to purchase books for children in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.