Students attending Iowa’s three public universities will benefit from scholarships created through the estate of Mary Peterson, valued at $3 million.

Peterson, who was born in Belgium in 1910, immigrated to the United States with her two brothers in 1920, reuniting with her parents in Rock Island, ILL. After completing high school, she received a scholarship from John Deere & Co. enabling her to continue her education in nursing.

After a successful career in nursing and the death of her second husband, Axel, Mary established the Axel and Mary Peterson Charitable Fund with the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend (CFGRB). Peterson wanted to create a permanent legacy for others who will follow, and she was confident the CFGRB could and would execute her wishes in regard to these funds. 

“Mary was a lovely woman, a dedicated nurse, and a friend to many. She loved the community in which she lived, and wanted other young people to have the same educational opportunities she received,” said Susan Skora, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend President and CEO. “Many generations will benefit from her thoughtful generosity. We are proud to be the stewards of Mary and Axel’s legacies, and to partner with Iowa’s public universities to carry out her wishes.”

Peterson passed away on her 99th birthday in April of 2009. The Community Foundation was named as beneficiary of her estate, the majority of which will establish a permanent endowment that will provide more than $130,000 in scholarships annually to students attending Iowa’s three public universities. The remainder of Peterson’s estate will go toward permanent endowment to support the Community Foundation’s grantmaking programs.