Littleton, NH – Jean-Marie Peterson, a woman whose life overflowed with love, creativity, and service, died in a car accident on Nov 11th in Whitefield NH. Born on June 13, 1941, Jean-Marie was the youngest of five siblings and grew up in the close-knit community of Suncook, NH. Her childhood there shaped her spirit, which was resilient, compassionate, and deeply connected to the people around her.
A proud graduate of Pembroke Academy, Jean-Marie married Norman Demers in 1963. The following year, they settled in Concord, where they welcomed their two sons: Kevin (61), and Peter, (58). Jean-Marie poured her heart into motherhood while also building a meaningful professional career. She worked as a legal secretary with the law firm Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell in Concord, and in public relations with AAA, where her warmth, sharp mind, and reliability left a lasting impression.
Jean-Marie’s love for the arts shone brightly through her decades-long involvement with the Concord Community Players. Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or supporting the performers around her, she brought creativity, organization, and joy to every production! This was truly her passion that she carried throughout her adult life.
In 1991, life brought a beautiful new chapter, when Jean-Marie began a love story with Henry “Hank” Peterson. Together, they built a partnership full of laughter, adventure, travel and shared purpose. In 1996, they married and moved to Littleton, NH settling in a beloved home that came to be known by family and friends as “The Inn on Broomstick Hill”. Jean-Marie & Hank became active and cherished members of the Littleton community for the next three decades.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. As both attendee and volunteer at All Saints Episcopal Church, Jean-Marie gave generously of her time and talents. She could always be counted on to support church events, serve others, and bring people together. She also extended her love of theater to Littleton, becoming heavily involved in local community theater groups-continuing her lifelong commitment to the arts.
But Jean-Marie’s favorite role was as a grandmother, when she became known, and will forever be known, as Mimi! She was Mimi to Kevin’s daughters Anna & Zoe, as well as Hank’s granddaughters Allison & Megan & his great granddaughter Adelyn.
Jean-Marie will be remembered for her true joi-de-vie – her warmth, her generosity, her smile, her sense of humor, her wonderful laugh and her ability to make every person feel seen and valued. She lived fully, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on every community she touched.
She is survived by her sons, Kevin and Peter, granddaughters Anna and Zoe, Hank’s son Chris & his wife Rikke, his daughter Laura, his granddaughters Allison and Megan, his great granddaughter Adelyn and a wide circle of family and friends who will forever carry her spirit forward.
She was joined in death by her forever love Hank. Our loss is heavens gain. Au revoir…
Services for Jean-Marie & Hank will be held 1/10/26 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Littleton NH at 11AM. If you would like to send flowers we ask that you contact Cherry Blossom in Littleton.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Eating & Shelter Ministries at All Saints Episcopal Church.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes