Susan Markusse ’81 Peterson
Sue Peterson, 61, was reunited with her soulmate, Rob, on Monday, December 14, 2020, at her home in Weslaco, surrounded by family. On September 2, 1959, Sue was born to David Markusse and Dorothy Hiscock Markusse in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Sue married Rob Peterson in 1982, and they relocated to Weslaco, where they raised their two sons and spent the rest of their lives.
Sue earned her Bachelor’s degree from Hope College in 1981. While working as a teacher, she went back to school, earning a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Pan American in 1992. She continued her education, earning her Superintendent Certification in 2012. Sue enrolled in the doctoral program and completed all of the classes needed for her Ph.D., just short of her dissertation.
While raising her children, going to college, and being active in her community and church, Sue climbed the career ladder, becoming the founding principal at Weslaco East Highschool. Sue was awarded the Texas Principal of the Year and HEB Excellence in Education Award in 2008. In 2012, Sue was awarded Distinguished Administrator for the Texas Association of Business Professionals. During Sue’s tenure, Weslaco East earned numerous prestigious awards. After a proven track record, Sue was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Development at Weslaco ISD and was due to retire at the end of this year.
Sue touched countless lives throughout her career. She exemplified authentic leadership and character, keeping up with her students long after graduating from high school. Her students strived to do better and wanted to make Sue proud of them, and many continued to message her their entire lives.
Sue was a woman of Christ and a dedicated and active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Weslaco. She taught Sunday school and was a youth counselor. Sue and Rob took the church kids to Mo-Ranch, a summer youth camp, for many years. Sue was instrumental in creating a Wednesday night youth program at the First Presbyterian Church, open to the entire community. She became an ordained elder in the church and organized their Christmas Pageant for many years.
Sue was very active in her community. She was a cheerleader for Weslaco and backed local businesses always. Sue served on the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for many years and was an active member of the Weslaco Rotary Club. Sue served as Board Chair for Hidalgo County Planned Parenthood and on the board for many years. She served on the Knapp Medical Center Harvest Night Steering Committee for many years and the Weslaco Scholarship Foundation. In 2015, Sue Peterson was awarded Weslaco’s Woman of the Year, a well deserved and overdue award for a woman who selflessly served her entire life.
Sue was an artist, seamstress, crafter, and baker. She enjoyed scrapbooking and was an avid reader. Sue and Rob traveled throughout Texas. Sue was always conscientious of supporting local businesses. Sue and Rob would seek out a sole proprietor or small business to taste the local cuisine everywhere they traveled. Their favorites were barbecue and bakeries.
Sue was a creative, generous, courageous, and servant leader. She led with genuine integrity and always did unto others as she would have done unto her. The Golden Rule was a motto Sue exemplified throughout her life. She was a mother figure to so many young teens and gave her students and family unconditional love and respect.
Sue loved spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, sisters, and friends. She and Rob were involved in a supper club for over thirty years with their best friends and “Texas Family.”
Sue is preceded in death by her parents, David and Dorothy Markusse, and her loving husband and best friend, Rob Peterson.
She is survived by her sons, sons Jacob Peterson (Candice), Matthew Peterson (Haley), grandchildren, Caden, Hunter, and Fyonna Peterson, sisters, Judy Markusse Paget (Paul), and Kathy Markusse Portolese (Greg), and close friend, Melissa Krink.