Margaret Rose Sloan Peterson

Margaret Rose Sloan Peterson was born on March 31, 1938, in Ilford, Essex, England. The family relocated to Liverpool during World War II after her father, James Sloan, passed away from pneumonia. Margaret grew up in a loving and supportive household with her mother, Doris Moss Sloan; her aunts Margaret, Eva, and Florence; her brother, John Dennis Leslie; and sister, Catherine Elizabeth. Extended family and cousins lived nearby, and she formed lifelong friendships with the McDonald sisters, Isabel, Pamela, and Christine, who became like family to her and they remained very close throughout her life.

In 1963, Margaret’s adventurous spirit brought her to San Francisco. She embraced the scene and remained in the San Francisco Bay Area for the rest of her life. She met her husband, James Francis Peterson of San Francisco, and they married in England before settling in Tiburon.

Together they had two children. After they divorced in 1974, Margaret remained in Tiburon, cherishing its views, community, and natural beauty. She enjoyed traveling, films, reading, classical music, positive vibes, and wildflower walks on the hilltops. Always friendly, positive, and curious, she loved chatting with neighbors, passersby, and striking up friendly exchanges with people during her travels.

Margaret made personal connections with everyone and cultivated friendships across generations and continents, staying in touch through heartfelt letters and cards, always timing birthday cards to arrive precisely on the day.

Professionally, Margaret was instrumental at the Tiburon Belvedere Childcare Center, housed in the old Tiburon Elementary School. Afterwards, she was a legal secretary, taking the ferry and knitting many sweaters and baby gifts while she commuted to San Francisco.

Margaret was Mother Earth personified. She lived with minimal impact and was an ardent environmentalist, advocating for sustainability and conservation long before it was mainstream. As her last earthly gesture, she donated her body to the Stanford Anatomical Gift Program.

Margaret passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by love, on July 29, 2025. She was 87 years old. Her gentle kindness and many loving connections will be remembered always.

She is survived by her children, Timothy James (Delia Marie) and Kristina Catherine (David Thompson); grandchildren Fiona Bridget, Riley Sloan, Kevin James, Caitlin Rose, Christine Kelly, and Dexter James Sloan Thompson Peterson; and many beloved cousins in the United Kingdom, including Kevin Sloan, Valerie Mackenzie of England, and Chris White of Scotland. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Mark Andrew, Rachael Louise of England, and Karen Sloan Abozahra of Jordan, as well as many great-nieces and nephews around the globe and the children of her loving friends. Her dear friend, Mary Barlow, helped to care for her in her final days, for which the family is forever grateful.

A celebration of life will be held on October 9 in Tiburon at 3:00. For details, please call Kristina at 415-384-1477. Thank you. Loving wishes to all.