Eloise Ann Blue Semmelmeyer Peterson died peacefully at her home, at the age of 95, in Westport, CT, on May 19, 2026.

Eloise was born in Detroit, Mich, on February 27, 1931, the daughter of Walter A. and Ethyl H. Blue. She was reared in Ladue, Missouri, and attended Clayton High School.

She graduated early from Washington University in St. Louis, in 1953, with a B.S. in Marketing. She was a cheerleader, in both high school and college, and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.

Eloise married John Albert Semmelmeyer III in 1956. They settled in Westport in 1965, where they reared their three children: Kristin Leigh, Erik Stephen, and Jana Carol.

Following John’s death in 1974, Eloise eventually found love again with Robert M. “Pete” Peterson. Together they lived in Denver, CO, where they married, and later moved to Palm Springs, CA. She was a member of both the Assistance League of Denver and the Assistance League of Palm Springs, generously donating her time to charitable causes. A few years after Pete’s death, she returned to Westport in 2007, having lived in ten states throughout her lifetime.

Eloise had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved music, theater, and opera, and, in her younger years, enjoyed tennis and skiing. She even went zip lining in Alaska at age 80. She especially enjoyed talking with strangers wherever she went. Those who knew Eloise often remarked that she brought light and joy wherever she went. She was known for her radiant smile, quick mind, and genuine interest in people. She made others feel heard. She had an easy laugh and a tender heart. She loved the rain.

She began recycling and was strongly inspired by the feminist movement in the 1970s. She loved animals and became a vegetarian in her 80s because of her concerns about factory farming. Throughout her life, she remained engaged in social and political issues. In her later years, she described herself as “an armchair activist”, working for liberal and progressive causes.

She greatly enjoyed this chapter of her life. She shared that her “happiest decade” was during her 80s, which she attributed to her newfound sense of gratitude.

In her last years, Eloise, also known as Elly, shared a loving relationship with her sweetheart, William D. Hart, and all of her family and friends. She adored her three children; her son-in-law, Tom Ward; her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Chambliss; and her eight grandchildren: Chris Ward, Micheline Ward, Emma Becker (Ward) and her wife, Rachel, Max Ward, Lucy Semmelmeyer, Jane Semmelmeyer, Johana Semmelmeyer, and Ryan Cyprian.

And she loved her foster cat, Buddie; her last kitty, Sasha; and Belle, the tiny Chorkie she adopted at age 93.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Eloise asked that you simply take yourselves out to dinner and have a wonderful time.

Her final message to her family, friends, and the world was, “Goodbye and love to all… I’ll miss you. xoe”

Eloise was a member of the Unitarian Church, in Westport, for more than 60 years. A Celebration of Life for Eloise Peterson will take place at 12:00 pm at the Unitarian Church. Please join us for light refreshments following the service, while we share stories, cry and laugh. A private family burial will take place afterward. To help with food planning, an RSVP to jwardboulder@gmail.com is appreciated.