Eleanor Peterson

Eleanor R. Peterson was a friendly, independent woman who was very frugal-minded. Although she often struggled with adversity throughout her life, she displayed a strength of character and a pure and simple faith in God that carried her through all that came her way.

1945 was a pivotal year for the United States with the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August. Despite these worldly troubles, William and Florence (Ballast) Datema of Grand Rapids, Michigan, celebrated the birth of their daughter, Eleanor Ruth, on October 9, 1945. The youngest of four children, Eleanor was often doted on by her two brothers, Art and Bill, and sister, Helen. Her father died when she was very young, which left her brother Art as the father figure in her life, while her mother supported the family working as a seamstress. Although money was always tight, Eleanor had a good childhood, making due with what she had, though she wished she could have done without the glasses she had to wear since school age. No matter, Eleanor was a very beautiful girl and often drew the attention of many young men. After graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High School, Eleanor went to work at Mills Paper Company for a few years before taking a secretarial job at Steelcase, where she remained for over 20 years. She was good friends with many of her co-workers, who became like a second family to her. After leaving Steelcase, Eleanor worked part-time just to earn some extra money. Eleanor was married for a short time and delighted in the birth of her only son, William Jacob Peterson. She was a caring and attentive mother, who took an active role in every phase of William's life. Together, they enjoyed trips to the beach, Detroit Tiger baseball games and fishing. Eleanor even sparked an interest in her son for sports by involving him in the local YMCA.

In her leisure time, Eleanor enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, watching television, especially Wheel of Fortune, and even kept a daily journal for many years. She liked listening to music, particularly from her small collection of vinyl albums and 8 tracks, her favorite being the Eagles Greatest Hits. Eleanor was a devout Christian and instilled her values in her son, leading him in prayer and devotions as he grew up. She drew strength each day from praying and reading her Bible; she was truly a woman of great faith.

Eleanor was a somewhat stubborn woman, who took no guff from anyone. Yet her wonderful sense of humor and kind spirit warmed the hearts of everyone around her. She was always very cost-conscious and also finicky about moving things around in her home. Devoted to both her family and faith, she spent her life working tirelessly both inside and outside the home, but was always able to enjoy the simple beauties in life. She will be deeply missed.

Eleanor R. Peterson, age 59 of Wyoming, passed away on July 21, 2005. She was preceded in death by her brother, Art Datema. Eleanor is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, William J. and Brenda Peterson; grandchildren, Ashley, Kayla and Lauren; siblings, Helen (Ron) Ensing and Bill Datema; and nephews and a niece. A memorial service for Eleanor will be held on Monday, July 25, at 7:30 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, where relatives and friends are invited to meet with her family for one hour prior to the service. Please visit Eleanor's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or make a memorial contribution to either the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Michigan, in lieu of flowers.