Mary Lee (Hovde) Peterson, age 78 of Westbrook passed away suddenly Monday, August 31, 2026 at Sanford Hospital in Westbrook. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026 at the Westbrook Funeral Home with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A private family burial will take place at a later date.  Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mary Lee (Hovde) Peterson was born July 25, 1948 in Minneapolis, Hennepin County. She was given the name Sheila Ray Hutchins and placed into the Lutheran Welfare Society for foster care. Jasper and Irene (Norstegard) Hovde were awarded custody on August 25, 1948 at the Cottonwood County Courthouse and gave her the name Mary Lee Hovde. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dovray. Mary Lee attended Westbrook High School, graduating with the class of 1966. She furthered her education at Waldorf College. In 1968, Mary Lee married Larry Peterson at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dovray. Together they settled on a farm outside of Dovray after Larry was discharged from the service. Mary Lee worked at the Westbrook Clinic in the billing department and as the city clerk in Westbrook. She also held several other odd jobs in various communities. Mary Lee loved quilting and created many lovely quilts over the years.

Mary Lee is survived by her son Scott (Anna) Peterson of Westbrook; grandchildren: Daylan Pullis, Braelyn Heller, Carl Heller, Devyn Heller, Hailey Pregler and Isiah Pregler; 5 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Carol Hovde; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Bruce Hovde.