Barbara Ann (nee Bourkland) Peterson, 80, of Fletcher, N.C., and formerly of Punta Gorda, Fla., died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, as the result of a stroke.

She was born Feb. 21, 1931, in Oak Park, Ill., to Charles and Jean Rogers.

Barbara graduated from Foreman High School in 1948, and received a BA in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1951. She taught first grade at Ellis and Whitehead for 20 years in Rockford, Ill. The last three years, she was a Master Teacher. Later, she taught sewing at Stretch and Sew. Barbara and her husband Jack relocated to Punta Gorda in 1993 to pursue cruising on their sailboat, Good Idea. They relocated to Fletcher, in the Smoky Mountains, in 2006. Barbara enjoyed cooking and was an avid reader. She could recall what everyone at the table had ordered on any given occasion.

She is survived by her best friend and husband, John; and a sister, Betty McMillion of Glenview, Ill.

No services will be held per Barbara’s request.