Jan Peter Obituary

Jan B. Peter, 71, of Ojai, California, passed away on April 30, 2023 after complications from a lung infection. Jan was born to Marie and Burke Tilley in Solana Beach, California on June 1, 1951. Jan loved growing up at the beach, played on the grassy hills, disbudded dahlias for summer cash, was an avid runner, body surfer, and loved fishing and hunting with her dad. She graduated from San Dieguito Union High School in 1969. She considered Phys. Ed. teaching but fortunately went into nursing instead, utilizing her natural gifts. She graduated from Palomar College and became a Registered Nurse working in Laguna and then in obstetrics at Long Beach Memorial Hospital at the forefront of technology in labor monitoring. Dust became the enemy, true to nursing bones. In a private medical office as nurse and manager from 1977 to 2012, she worked tirelessly to help patients get coverage for their medications. She was a traveler, backpacking in Europe in her youth. She had an endless curiosity for history and loved planning RV trips for her family. Skiing and snowshoeing at Badger, Yosemite was an annual joy. Venice was her favorite city. She married Dr. Alan R. Peter in 1974 in her parents' backyard. They moved to Ojai in 1977. In 1985 they rejoiced when their first daughter was born and again in 1988 with their second. She was a Friday folder mom at Mira Monte Elementary while her daughters went to school and was involved in the Women in History program, playing Dolly Madison, Clara Barton and her favorite Annie Oakley. She always cheered on both her daughters in their sports and academics. She volunteered at the Ojai Presbyterian Church, the Ojai Museum and Livingston Memorial hospice program. She enjoyed league bowling, softball for Deer Lodge, and especially movie nights, book club, trivia night (our history maven), and Friday dinner with friends. Jan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She always thought of others first. She was a powerhouse, determined, strong, kind and loving. She dedicated the past six years to assisting with the care of her two young grandsons who love her deeply. She cherished her family of friends, and was most grateful to their long term love and support. Jan was preceded in death by her parents Burke and Marie and sister Carol. She is survived by her husband Alan, daughters Jody and Jillian, son-in-law Kevin and grandsons Sean and Connor who she adored, and a wonderful extended family. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Thanks to all who have offered help and solace with food and flowers. If you wish, consider a donation to Planned Parenthood, an organization she championed. Directions to Funeral Home