Marjorie Lynne Peters

Marjorie Lynne Peters, 73, passed away on January 28, 2024. She resided at Bethel Retirement Community in Modesto, and had recently been on Hospice services. Margie was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Bruce and Ruth (Greig) Peters. In her early years she was quite the tomboy, and some of her fondest South Dakota memories involved exploring and generally getting-into-trouble with brother Greig. In 1966 the family moved to California, and in 1968 Margie graduated from Grace Davis High School in Modesto. She went on to attend Modesto Jr College, then San Jose State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy.

For over 30 years Margie worked as an OT with California Children’s Services. She spent most of her time in the medical therapy units at John F. Kennedy School (Ceres) and Sonoma Elementary (Modesto). Margie loved all her physically disabled patients - as well as their families. In fact, she treated them as if they were her own family. Her goals involved assisting children in a therapeutic program, always working at maximizing functional skills in their daily lives. This often involved equipment needs for both patients and families, as well as recommendations for physical adaptations to their homes. Margie was adept with tools and could most always repair or make necessary modifications to equipment of the children she served. She especially loved adapting toys - often equipping them with simple switches so that children of just about any ability could engage in some form of play. Her love for special needs children and adults also led her to be involved with the Special Olympics. She did this for many years as an encourager and volunteer, and in recent years as a spectator. Much of Margie’s personal time also involved those with disabilities; she was known to take many children on outings over the years, as well as to transport older disabled adults on weekends – first to church, then always lunch afterwards. When no longer able to drive, Margie volunteered with others from her church, serving the homeless population in a clothing and food pantry ministry.

Margie of course was also known as a lover of dogs – and she rescued and loved and cared for countless canines over her life. She strove to be out of doors, whether it be walking through the orchards with her dogs, biking with friends, watching the sunset, or marveling at the size and shape of the moon. These were all some of her favorite pastimes. For many years, Margie used her abilities as an artist to sketch and paint wintery Christmas scenes at various businesses about Modesto. She was also known for being an accomplished wood carver. Starting with a small block of wood, Marge worked carefully until her carving was complete. Most often her end products portrayed a person or dog – or sometimes both - in various thoughtful poses. Margie has generously shared these carvings with family, friends, and even some of her favorite physicians who were invested in her care.

Retirement years for Margie were a medical and physical challenge, but she rarely complained. Instead, her community of friends at Bethel remember her as both spunky and humorous!

Marge is survived by a brother and sister-in-law in Minnesota, a sister-in-law in California, and a sister and brother-in-law, also in California. Additionally, she has three nephews and three nieces.

A Celebration of Life is planned for February 24th,11:00-1:00, at Lupita’s Homestyle Cocina, 950 Oakdale Road, Modesto. In lieu of flowers, memories or donations can be made to the Society for disABILITIES (Modesto), or to Pupz N Palz Rescue (2625 Coffee Rd, Ste F, Box 193, Modesto, 95355).