Joyce Elaine Mongerson Peters

Joyce Elaine Mongerson Peters, 97, passed away peacefully in Tallahassee Florida on April, 18, 2024. Joyce was born on July 26, 1926, in Moline, Illinois. She was predeceased by her husband, Dick Peters, one year earlier, in April, 2023. She is survived by her daughters, Lynn P. Baker of Richmond, Va; Paula P. Smith (Bill) of Tallahassee, Fl; and Nancy Peters of Lakewood, Co; grandchildren Jennifer Smith McDermott (Chris) of St. Louis Mo; William Smith (Sophie) of Tallahassee Fl; Elizabeth Baker Hafdelin (Michael) of Richmond, Va; and great grandchildren, Ford and Cameron Smith of Tallahassee; and Bridget, Michael, and Matthew Hafdelin of Richmond.

As a child, Joyce grew up in a loving and gregarious Swedish family, enjoying many happy gatherings and trips with her extended family. After graduating in 1948 from Iowa State College with a degree in Home Economics, she was hired by Marshall Fields in Chicago to design and create women’s hats.

On February 18, 1950, in the midst of a snow storm in Waterloo, Iowa, she married Dick. Together they enjoyed 73 years of fun and love, raising three independent daughters. Joyce was an amazing homemaker and corporate wife. She guided her family and provided the glue to support Dick and his career through 13 moves in 7 states - from California to Virginia. She sewed all the clothes for her growing daughters, cooked, cared for the home, drove them to every activity, in addition to volunteering in their schools and in the community.

In 1989, when Dick retired, they spent many happy years traveling the world. In 2002, they moved to Westminster Oaks retirement community. As residents of Tallahassee, they enjoyed attending as many FSU sporting events as possible and hosted countless family gatherings.

Joyce and Dick were the ultimate team, providing their family with a lifetime of happy memories, filled with joy and laughter, and wonderful vacations - driving across the country, visiting friends and relatives.

The family thanks the staff of Westminster Oaks for making their final years a wonderful experience. Additional thanks to Joyce’s caregivers and Big Bend Hospice whose loving support brightened her final year.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1086, Tallahassee FL 32302-1086.

Beggs Funeral Homes, 3322 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32311, (850) 942-2929.