Carolyn Ann (Hadsell) Peter
Carolyn Ann (Hadsell) Peter, 78, of Estero, FL, passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2021 with her family by her side. Her passing leaves an unfillable void for so many, yet the legacy, memories and imprint she leaves will last well beyond her lifetime. She had been an Estero, FL resident since 2004, after being born and raised in Quincy, IL. She was born on July 22, 1943 to Charles Hadsell and Doris Hussong (Hadsell) Foster. When she was 14, her mother married Bob Foster, who became her father and eventually the beloved grandfather to her children.
Carolyn was a graduate of Quincy High School and earned a Bachelor of Science from Culver- Stockton College (C-SC) in 1966, and a Master of Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1971. She taught elementary school children in St. Louis, MO, Quincy, IL and Pocahontas, AR. She was an academic counselor at John Wood Community College (JWCC) in Quincy for 21 years.
Carolyn served two terms as the President of the Alumni Board of Culver-Stockton College. She served as an advisor to the Chi Omega Sorority at C-SC, and was honored as an Outstanding Alumni at the C-SC Homecoming in 2008.
After her retirement from JWCC, Carolyn served on the YWCA of Quincy Board of Directors, and as the Interim Director of the YWCA. She was awarded the YWCA Visionary Award in 2002 and the YWCA of Quincy Woman of the Year Award in 2006.
She was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs, FL. She was active in the Chi Omega Alumnae Chapter of Lee County, FL, and the Singing Brooks Chorus in Bonita Springs.
Over the last 14 years, Carolyn was a devoted and engaged grandmother. She maintained a carefree, easy and genuine connection with her four grandchildren – sending thoughtfully selected newspaper clippings, texting, exchanging music, dreaming of and planning family vacations and more. The joy and love felt between the children and Grandma defied the age difference between them and reflected her ability to connect with people of all ages.
Beyond her grandchildren and friends, Carolyn was passionate and devoted to the “3Cs” in her life – the Cardinals, Culver and Chi-Os. She was all in – always. Carolyn grew up listening to Cardinal baseball on the radio with her grandfather and never looked back. After living in St. Louis, her devotion to the team, the stats and all things Cardinal Nation never wavered. Remember her the next time you see a cardinal perched nearby.
Carolyn never missed Culver-Stockton College Homecomings, the chance to visit “The Hill”, and a time to reconnect with her dear college classmates and the Wildcat Community. She has been an ongoing supporter of the College throughout her life via her alumni board service, hosting alumni events at her Florida home and her passionate promotion of the College and its life-changing benefits for her and others.
Carolyn’s connection to Chi-Omega bridged her life between the Midwest and Florida as she connected to students and alumni in the surrounding area of the Sunshine State. The sisterhood and community that she benefited from during her days in Canton motivated her to support both the C-SC and Florida Gulf Coast University chapters throughout the years. She remained devoted to the friendship, integrity, and service goals of the Chi-O mission, always in support of the ladies of cardinal and straw.
Carolyn had an innate ability to connect deeply with those around her – regardless of age, background or status – from waiters, guides on an African safari, college students then and now, nurses and staff at the hospital, and more. She navigated the world with grace, kindness, love and, always, a bit of sparkle.
A lover of jazz, of feeling the energy and warmth of the sun even on a cold day, of the magical pull of the ocean, of trying to see into the soul of animals, and of whole-heartedly embracing family and friends – Carolyn believed deeply in living this one life for each moment and every relationship.
She is survived by her husband, Ross Peter; her beloved children, Cory (Elizabeth) Peter and Erin (Bo) Peter; her grandchildren, Jordan and Callahan Peter, and Eden and Gwendolyn Lewke; and her golden retriever grandpups, Maisy and Drake.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, and by her Dad, Bob Foster.
SERVICES: 10 a.m. Friday, October 1, at St. Peter Catholic Church. Interment will follow immediately at Greenmount Cemetery.
VISITATION: 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Thursday, September 30th, Duker and Haugh Funeral Home
MEMORIALS: For the past several years, Carolyn asked close family to donate to her scholarship fund at C-SC in lieu of gifts. A birthday gift that included a contribution and a favorite new book would always elicit a genuine smile and a heartfelt thank you. Carolyn and Ross have maintained relationships with students who were able to benefit from her scholarship fund.
Carolyn (Hadsell) Peter Endowed Scholarship
1 College Hill
Canton, MO 63435
https://advancement.culver.edu/project/25840/donate
Fund Designation Drop Down Menu: Carolyn (Hadsell) Peter Scholarship
Ross, Cory, & Erin-I was saddened to hear of your loss. Your wife and mother was an Amazing person. I will always remember her “being there,” and supporting you during all of your events at QND. I will pray that God gives you the strength you need in the days ahead, and that HE will fill your hearts with only the wonderful memories you shared with her. God Bless.
My deepest sympathies in your loss, Ross. Prayers to you and your family.
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Carolyn. She was such a great role model at John Wood Community College and was very invested in helping others achieve their full potential.
My sincere sympathies for your loss. Your family has always welcomed me with generosity and love. Carolyn invited me to so many family events when I had no place to go. She will always hold a very special place in my heart. I hope you find peace. All my love.
Because of COVID, we will not be attending the services. Please accept our sincere sympathy and prayers in your loss.
Ross, your old friends and neighbors in Eagle Trace extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family
So sorry to see this. She was always so nice and a smile on her face. My thoughts are with your family at this time.
Dear Ross, We send our love and condolence to you and your family. There are so many wonderful memories to remember and cherish.God bless.
Ross, I was so sorry to learn of Carolyn’s passing. She will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. f
Ross, our thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this time of loss.
Carolyn was a customer of Roderick P Miller when I worked there in the ‘80’s. She was such a joy to help. She was a loyal client who loved to look good and was such a classy, kind person. It was always a great day when Carolyn came in since she always brought joy and that great smile on her visit. She was a customer who became a friend. I feel for your loss but all of the posts here show just how much she blessed each of our lives. Your wonderful memories will be live forever. I share in your sadness but am so happy I knew her.
Carolyn was a dear Chi O alum sister in Ft. Myers. she was a classy lady in so many ways and will be truly missed.
Our deepest sympathies, Ross, to you and your family during this difficult time.
Pete – I’m sorry about the passing of Carolyn. Our condolences to you and your family.
Dear Ross, Cory and Erin. Carolyn will be greatly missed but her warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit will be remembered forever. With our love and deepest sympathy as we remember Carolyn.
p.s. Cardinals appear when angels are near
Cory, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
To all Carolyns’s family,
May she rest in peace and you be at peace.
Bob Moore
To “Pete” & Family, So sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences. Gary & Peggy
I am so sorry to hear of Carolyn’s passing. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love in Chi Omega , Tiffany
So sorry to hear this news about Carolyn. As fellow Quincians as well as WBC neighbors, we send our most sincere condolences and make a donation in her honor.
So sorry to hear about the loss of Carolyn. I have precious memories of days gone by.Ross God Bless you and your Family
Ross, Cory & Erin, My sincerest sympathy in your loss. I will always remember my friendship with Carolyn. RIP
Cory, very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family.
Ross, No words can ever ease the loss of a life partner. My sincerest condolences.
Ross sincere you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours..,.
We will always remember Carolyn, as our St. Louis Cardinal fan which we shared so many play by play conversations. A visitation from a Red Cardinal means she is watching over her loved ones, while
cheering for her team from above.
Erin, Cory and Ross, I am so sorry to hear this news. You and your Mom and Grandmother (Dear Aunt Do) will always hold a special place in my heart. I have many fond memories I will cherish. We will not be in town for the services but send our sincere sympathy and love to you all.
Our deepest sympathy Ross.
So sorry to hear about Carolyn. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.