Sue Peterson (left) and her mother, Connie Peterson share a zest for life and an appreciation for education.

While now an adult, the pair have always shared an appreciation for education and are both equally spunky. Sue's brother, Al of California, was also adopted.

An administrator at Devonshire Retirement Village, Sue said she will always hold a special place in her heart for her mother.

"I was adopted at three days old and it has never made a difference," Sue said. "I was chosen."

Connie learned much of her mothering instincts and ways from her late mother, Juanita Ray. "She loved me very much. When I was a small child, she was determined I was going to be smart," Connie said. "I have a love for reading. My mom passed down a love for education, an open mind. She didn't drive and people were beginning to drive."

Connie grew up in Mississippi, and received her education on a fellowship studying at Vanderbilt University in Nashville where she studied home economics.

Connie mastered her lessons and passed those skills and her liberal mindedness down to Sue.

"I've always been independent. It was expected you get an education and get a job so you don't need to rely on a man. You do for yourself," Sue said.

Recently, her mother came to live near where she works at Devonshire. Connie said it's an honor to live there to be closer to Sue.

On Mother's Day (today), Connie will spend the day at Devonshire Retirement Village, where she lives. Sue will be tending to the family farm in Grass Lake.

Though they'll be apart, Sue will have her mother on her mind, blood relation or not.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.