Obituary of Susan Elizabeth Peterson

Longtime Boulderite Susan S. Peterson passed away on October 9th, 2023 at Frasier Meadows Summit Care Facility in Boulder, CO. She was 92. Born on July 21st, 1931 in St. Paul, MN to parents Charles Schwab and Annette Lano Schwab, Susan grew up in the city of her birth, graduating from South St. Paul High School in 1949. She then attended the University of Montana (Missoula, MT) and earned her Master of Music degree. During the 1950s and 60s, Susan worked as a performance musician, both as a solo artist and as a member of symphony orchestras. She accepted a professorship in the University of Colorado Music Department and moved to Boulder in 1960. On January 28th, 1966, Susan married Courtland H. Peterson, a Professor of Law at CU Boulder. Susan had a passion for life, enjoyed spending time with family, and cherished friendships. Her family remarks that she passed away “with her dear friend and companion, Dick Leupold, singing hymns at her side. Sue lived to be 92 years old – a long and beautiful life. She will be sorely missed by many whose lives she blessed with her musical spirit.” Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Courtland H. Peterson, her sister, Maria Coll, and her daughter, Linda S. Dean. She is survived by her stepson, Patrick C. Jackson (Portland, OR), her companion, Dick Leupold, her grandchildren, Karly L. Planche (Fort Morgan, CO), Benjamin M. Dean (Sacramento, CA), Barbara M. Moody (Central Lake, MI), William C. Jackson (Portland, OR), Emilie L. Jackson (Portland, OR), Claire B. Jackson (Portland, OR), and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service will take place on Friday, October 27th, 2:00PM at Atonement Lutheran Church (685 Inca Pkwy, Boulder, CO 80303). In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the CU College of Music c/o University of Colorado Foundation (giving.cu.edu). Susan’s family thanks you for all your kind thoughts and loving remembrances.