Catherine Campbell McLauchlin Peterson

Catherine Campbell McLauchlin Peterson, 100, born in Haichow, Ku, China, June 30, 1921, died October 4, 2021 at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community where she had lived for almost 23 years. Catherine (Kitty) was the third daughter of Dr. Wilfred Campbell McLauchlin and Elizabeth Trent Wilson McLauchlin, long-time missionaries in China. Born and raised during the Warlord Era, Catherine was educated by her mother in the home until she went to high school at Pyeng Yang Foreign School in Pyongyang, Korea, graduating in 1938. After graduation with a B.S. from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, Catherine attended the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA where she married Lyle Warren Peterson in June,1943. She was the secretary of Morningside Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA while her husband attended seminary.

Catherine was appointed a missionary to China by the Board of World Missions of the Presbyterian Church, US. She and her husband studied Chinese language at Yale University for two years, only to be sent instead to Japan in 1949 because China was closed. For two years Catherine studied in Kobe, Japan at the Naganuma School of Japanese Language.

For the next 20 years their home was in Kochi, Japan. Catherine began a Sunday School in their home for neighborhood children. She home-schooled all four of her children until they left home to attend high school at the Canadian Academy in Kobe. She served as a member of the Board of Seiwa Girls’ High School for all the years she was in Kochi, and worked as a home-visitor for the Kochi Reformed Church where she was an active member. Catherine taught English at Kochi University (for a number of years) and held several English classes in her home.

In 1971 Catherine and her husband moved to Kobe, where she was closely associated with two Chinese churches which had been begun by her parents when they had to leave China in 1949. She also worked with several Japanese churches. Catherine was instrumental in beginning the Chinese Welcome Center for seamen from the many ships arriving from China, carrying on this work until retirement in 1986.

Returning to the US, Catherine and Lyle made Montreat and Black Mountain, NC their home until they moved to Deerfield in 1999. Catherine was described by friends as the “cornerstone” and a “pillar of strength” during a difficult period in the life of the Montreat Presbyterian Church PCUSA. At Deerfield, where she loved the residents and the staff, she was known as “the walker” for her thrice-daily extensive walks, and for being hospitable and friendly.

Due to COVID restraints, a private memorial service was held in the Deerfield Memory Garden on October 11. Catherine was predeceased by daughter Mary Ellen Saville, son Daniel Warren Peterson, and husband of 76 years Lyle Warren Peterson. She is survived by eldest child Ann Peterson of Richmond, VA, and son Richard Lyle Peterson. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Deerfield Residency Fund, Deerfield Retirement Community, 1617 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC 28803.