Susan Wakaba (Tanaka) Peters, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Gulf Breeze, FL.

Susan was born on March 30, 1932, to Haruki Shimada Tanaka and Masamitsu Tanaka in the Kanagawa prefecture in Japan. She spent her early years in Japan until she married Ronald Peters when she was 26 years old. She moved to the United States and lived a full life as a military wife. She travelled with her family and lived in many different locations, overseas and in the US. She loved that life. Susan was a Librarian for a period of time, and her knowledge of the world and events was brilliant. She also volunteered many times in activities related to her children. Susan devoted her life to raising her children, creating a warm and nurturing environment for her family. She navigated the challenges of military life with grace and strength, and she was a strong supporter of her husband's career. As a mother she taught her children about her Japanese culture. She was always kind and respectful to others and expected no less from them. She also taught them to be strong and have perseverance. To be proud of who they are and to live a good life. To wake up every day with gratitude and positivity. In her later years, after being diagnosed with dementia, she still enjoyed activities centered around arts and crafts, simple days, being with family, watching television, drinking her coffee and singing Japanese songs. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Susan is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald David Peters and her siblings, Tsutomu Tanaka and Seiji Tanaka.

Survivors include her children, Catherine Peters Irwin and James Peters (Cathy Peters); her grandchildren, Cole Irwin, Gage Irwin, Ashlee Takamura (Andy), Caitlin Yatogo (Radd), and Hayley Peters; her six great grandchildren, Aleks, Austyn, Lelia, Tommy, Lukas and Owen; her sisters, Midori Tanaka and Junko Tanaka; as well as three nephews and one niece.

A funeral cortege will depart Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 1:30pm for a Graveside Service that begins at 2:00pm Friday, March 6, 2026, at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, FL.