Mary Lu Peters

Mary Lu "Pete" Peters
Mary Lu Peters passed away on August 1, 2025.
Born in St. Charles, Missouri, she was the eldest of five children to Leonard Peters and Thelma Fullenwider Peters. She was lovingly named after her aunts, Mary Fullenwider and Luella Peters.
Mary Lu attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School and graduated from St. Charles High School, where she was a cheerleader and clarinet player in the marching band. She loved dancing the jitterbug and had a zest for life from an early age.
After graduating in 1956, she attended St. Luke's Nursing School in St. Louis, earning her RN degree in 1959. She later returned to school at Lindenwood College and earned her bachelor's degree.
Mary Lu was the proud mother of Peggy Jane, born in 1963, and Craig Richard, born in 1967. After raising her children, she pursued transforming a large historic home in Augusta, Missouri into the Lindenhof Bed and Breakfast. Her love for charming river towns led her to live in several over the years, including Hermann and Washington, Missouri.
She was a devoted grandmother, and her grandson Brett Baker was the light of her life. She treasured the trips they shared and the memories they made together.
A passionate traveler, Mary Lu explored England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, and much of the United States. One of her most memorable adventures was a solo road trip to New England to see the fall colors. Florence, Italy and Bavaria, Germany were among her favorite places, and she especially cherished her visit to Monet's home in Giverny, France.
Mary Lu had a deep appreciation for the arts. She was a talented painter, quilter, and stained-glass artist, and an accomplished seamstress-often working on her grandmother's treadle sewing machine. Her passion for historic homes and architecture led her to preserve and restore several properties in St. Charles, Augusta, and Hermann. She admired the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and visited many of his iconic buildings.
In 2015, she moved to Elsah, Illinois, where she became an active member of the community. She served on several village boards and managed the local historical museum, continuing her lifelong commitment to preservation and civic engagement.
Mary Lu had a gift for friendship. She remained close with high school and nursing school classmates, neighbors, bridge club friends, and many more. Her curious nature, independent spirit, and generous heart touched everyone she met.
She is survived by her son, Craig (Leigh Ann) Norden; her sister, Jane (Bill) Turton; sister-in-law, Bonnie Abbott; and her beloved grandson, Brett Baker. She was a cherished aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
Mary Lu was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Thelma Peters; her daughter, Peggy Norden; and siblings, Richard Peters, Paul Peters, and Lisa Ory.
She will be remembered with deep love and greatly missed by all who knew her.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.