Mary Jo (Peacock) Richter

Mary Jo (Peacock) Richter, 71, passed away June 29, 2023, at her home in East Jordan.  

Mary Jo was known best for being a quiet gentle soul, who had an abiding love for her grandchildren. She was born on May 23, 1952, to the late Richard and Phyllis Peacock in Lansing, Michigan. In 1970, she graduated from Midland High School alongside her one true love, John Richter, and in 1974 they married and had a daughter, Lisa Christine. Together they moved to East Lansing so John could attend the Michigan State School of Veterinary Medicine. In 2001, she moved from Traverse City to East Jordan to be closer to her daughter and to partake in the daily craziness of raising her grandchildren, who she called the “fab five.” She relished the following years attending school activities, sporting events, listening, and simply spoiling her crew. As her grandson put it best, “We gave Grandma a run for her money.”

Mary Jo is survived by her daughter Lisa (Kevin) Dunson of East Jordan; granddaughters Alicia (Mike) Whiteford, Karlee, Karah, and Katlynn Dunson of East Jordan, and grandson John Richards of Troy, MI; great-grandchildren Parker and Lexi Whiteford; her handsome brothers who always had her back and affectionately called her MJ, Tom (Jill) Peacock of Pennsylvania and Doug (Susan) Peacock of North Carolina; and her loving sister who never hesitated to drop what she was doing to lend a hand, Barbara (Dick) LaFever of Jenison, MI. 

Mary Jo is preceded in death by her ex-husband Dr. John Richter and her parents, Richard and Phyllis Peacock. A special thank you to her grandchildren, son-in-law and grandson-in-law who cared for her; the residents of the Highland Terrace Apartments who kept a protective eye out for her; and the Ladies Group at the East Jordan United Methodist Church who continued to check in, make calls, pray, and send cards to strengthen her.

A private family ceremony will take place in the fall. 

Memorial Donations can be made to Friends of the Jordan River Watershed, https://friendsofthejordan.org/.

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