Mary Josephine (Cotter) Peterman, affectionately known as “Mama,” to her nine children, slipped peacefully into eternal rest on September 2, 2020 while some of her daughter’s prayed and held her hands. She was born in Appleton, WI, on August 13, 1930 to parents, George F. and Wivine Mary (Haye) Cotter. She was the second of six children. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Fr. Pius Cotter, OFM Capuchin, and a sister, Therese (Cotter) Benard.

She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Herman Arthur Peterman, III on August 1, 1959 in Shreveport, LA. They shared 34 years together before his death in October of 1993. She was a very loving and dedicated mother to her nine children: Lois Ann Goss-Worsham (Mike) of Nacogdoches, TX, Nancy Lynn Creech-Pynch (Gerald) of Bryan, TX, Mary Jo Peterman (Chris) of Boston, MA, Herman A. Peterman, IV, of Rosharon, TX, David Hall Peterman (Kristen) of Austin, TX, Laura Jean Tuno (Marc) of Plano, TX, Cynthia Renee’ Bellendir (Todd) of Coppell, TX, Amy Elizabeth Peterman of Conroe, TX and John Brian Peterman of Brooklyn, NY. She is blessed with 16 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother, James A. Cotter, Sr. (Mary ✞ ) of Greenville, WI, Ann Uehlein (Ed ✞ ) of Ripon, WI, and Lois Shandonay (Tom) of Neenah, WI. Mary is blessed with a myriad of friends that span her long, rather eventful life.

Mary was a committed member of St. Martha’s Catholic Church of Kingwood, TX for 40+ years. She had a passion for diligently and meticulously crafting rosaries for foreign missions, served tirelessly in Martha’s kitchen, and was always willing to lend a helping hand in different areas of the church. She was a welcomed friend and frequent visitor at the convent of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Roman Forest, New Caney, TX, for many years until they relocated to San Antonio, TX, several years ago. Mary will always remain in their hearts and prayers.

“Mama” (Grandma) is remembered for her unique culinary prowess, baking an eclectic variety of meals and delectable desserts, specifically her world-renowned banana bread, which has yet to be sufficiently duplicated by any of her children or grandchildren.

Mary possessed a propensity of selfless generosity and an aptitude of sincere concern for others. There was always “room for one more at the table.” She was willingly available to her neighbors in Shreveport and Kingwood in times of joy and illness. Mary had the unique ability to express reassuring calm to children with open wounds or broken bones comforting worry and fears. She answered to “Mama” from many more than just her nine kids. Equally noted, “minding your manners” was not a suggestion but an expectation or face the consequences of disobedience! The fourth commandment, “Honor your father and mother,” was imbedded in thought and action at a very young age. We are reminded of Proverbs 31:26 in Mama’s guidance, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

Her commitment to her Savior, Jesus Christ, was evident all the way to the last day of her life. She exalted the name of Jesus her Lord with a testimonios declaration of praise made manifest to her family and friends in her room at Magnolia Court. Her spiritual adulations of Jesus Christ were a profound and impressionable manifestation of remembrance to everyone present.

The family would like to thank the staff of Magnolia Court Assisted Living and Memory Care in Nacogdoches, TX for the excellent friendship and care they provided for our mom for the past 3 years. They would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Randal Vinther and staff for the exceptional medical care she received.

In lieu of flowers or gifts you may donate to the following organizations that Mary favored:

Discalced Carmelite Nuns of San Antonio (formerly of Roman Forest), 6301 Culebra, San Antonio, TX 78238: http://www.carmelsanantonio.org/

Martha's Kitchen: https://stmartha.com/marthas-kitchen.

Loving Hearts of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2508 Appleby Sand Rd., Nacogdoches, TX 75965

Magnolia Court Assisted Living & Memory Care (Mama's last residency), Attn: Donna Crabtree, 5902 North St., Nacogdoches, TX 75965.