Nancy Peterson

Nancy Jean Hamilton Peterson, 83, of San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 21, 2023. She was surrounded by family. Nancy was predeceased by her mother, Evelyn Hamilton, and father, John (Jack) Hamilton, as well as her little sister, Patricia Kalt. Nancy left behind her husband of nearly forty years, Lanny Peterson; her brother Dennis Hamilton and his wife, Mary Kay Hamilton; and her brother-in-law Fred Kalt. She is survived by her children, John Rudzki III, Jeanne Rudzki Small, Thomas Rudzki, and Michael Rudzki, and stepdaughter, Julia Peterson Bauer. She had a brood of six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Nancy had a multitude of interests. She enjoyed her family and friends, music, traveling, bird watching, growing orchids, perusing her many catalogs, and learning as much as she could. She supported several causes including the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Environmental Defense Fund, and The Nature Conservancy.

Born in Covington, Kentucky, in 1939, Nancy lived in many parts of the U.S. and graduated in 1957 from Merchantville High School, Merchantville, New Jersey. She married John Rudzki, Jr. and served over twenty years as a military spouse before their divorce led to her new life.

Nancy graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1983 with a master’s degree in clinical counseling. Her work history included time with Centro Del Barrio, Inc., and Laurel Ridge Hospital. She entered private practice as a Licensed Master Social Worker specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy and Alcohol Rehabilitation. She helped many people through tough times.

Nancy was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and the Disabled American Veterans. One surprising achievement was when she became a Boxing Judge for the Golden Gloves tournaments. Now, THAT surprised us all. She was so proud of her ability to analyze the performance of the boxer. It made us chuckle.

Nancy had an incredible beauty that shown through every day. Caring and compassionate, she would always be able to offer her motherly advice to anyone she encountered. As an avid learner, she was intelligent beyond compare. She could speak on almost any subject and the ones she didn’t know about she would question. Her home was always immaculate and beautifully decorated. She was a talented cook of many global cuisines and a collector of interesting art from around the world.

Her past forty years with husband Lanny were an adventure. They designed their house to be comfortable for everyone and in particular those with physical limitations. With Lanny in charge of the landscaping, they created an oasis in the heat of San Antonio. They traveled as much as they could. With family all over the country, they made trips to Seattle, Baltimore, Kansas City, St. Louis, and cities in Florida. They traveled for pleasure as well. Beyond Galveston and New Orleans, Nancy and Lanny enjoyed destinations as diverse as Alaska, Massachusetts, Jamaica, and Ireland.

Nancy will be remembered for raising her children, loving her husband, caring for the natural world, and many, many other things.

She will be cremated and interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.