Judith Sue Peterson

In Loving Memory

Judith "Judy" Sue (Ericson) Peterson

July 24, 1940 — October 9, 2026

Judith "Judy" Sue Peterson, née Ericson, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 9, 2026, at the Glen Hill Alzheimer’s care home in Dayton, Maryland, at the age of 86. Born on July 24, 1940, in Marquette, Kansas, Judy lived a life full of creativity, friendship, and above all, an abiding love for her family.

Family

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Eloise Ericson; her brother, Bill Ericson; and her sister, Barbara Veconi. She is survived by her devoted husband, Max Peterson; her children, Vicki Peterson Baxter and Max Peterson II; her brother, Merle Ericson, and sister, Brenda Ascher; her daughter-in-law, Diane Peterson, and son-in-law, David Baxter.

She was the proud grandmother of Erik, Kara, Victoria, and Taylor Peterson, and David, Christine, Matthew, and Robert Baxter; and the great-grandmother of Emma and Ethan Peterson; Daisy, Christopher, and Max Krueger; and Jack Marco.

A Devoted Mother, Grandmother & Great-Grandmother

Judy treasured her place as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she seemed to have endless energy to play with and help all of the children. She was always ready to show up — for Grandparents Day, at the soccer field, or at a school event — just to be near her grandkids, and it was a real treat for them. They especially loved their birthdays, when Grandma would take "just them" for a special day of birthday fun.

A Legacy of Creativity & Friendship

After raising her two children, Judy found a new calling with the Longaberger Basket Company, where she built a thriving business and a lasting legacy, rising to Director of the Mid-Atlantic Region of Longaberger consultants. Her Longaberger business allowed her to combine her creativity, her love of people, and her gift for building friendships, channeling her boundless energy into something she truly loved.

Deep Creek Lake & a Cherished Reunion

Judy retired with her husband, Max, to Deep Creek Lake in Maryland, where she delighted in visits from her children and grandchildren and enjoyed occasional travel to see friends and family. On one visit to see Max and Diane in London, she was treated to a surprise reunion with Tammy Longaberger, the company’s president, and spent the afternoon reminiscing about basket bees, recognition trips, and the cherished memories of those years.

Her Enduring Spirit

Even late in life, when Alzheimer’s robbed her of her memory, Judy always had a smile and a kind word — for those she remembered and for those she was meeting anew.

Celebrating Judy’s Life

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM

Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A. — 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, Maryland 21029

Please bring your favorite memories to share.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Alzheimer’s Disease Research. 

At a future date, the family plans to hold an interment in her hometown of Marquette, Kansas.