Benjamin VanLowe "Peter"

Peter Benjamin Alexander VanLowe was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 6th, 1931.  He was the second son of four boys and two girls born of the late Alfred and Christine VanLowe, also of Detroit.  His siblings, George, Milton, James and Ellen Gather preceded him in death.

Peter was educated in Detroit and graduated from Northwestern High School June 1949. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1954 from Wayne State University in Detroit.  He went on to obtain a Masters in Education from Wayne State as well.  He became a teacher with Detroit Public Schools.  He rose to the position of Principal, with his longest tenure at Hutchens Middle School in Detroit. In all, Peter worked for Detroit public schools for 40 years and encouraged many graduating classes of young people to achieve their educational goals.  Upon retirement, Peter continued in education work with adult education programs in Detroit for several years. Peter often stated, “ Students need to have a good education so that they may function well in our country and society.”

Peter met Helen Richardson in 1963 and they were married April 18, 1964.  From this marriage two children were born, Kevin and Krystal. Peter was able to guide them into successful careers in business management and medicine. He was also able to support them in their successful family lives and rearing three grandchildren.

Peter was very interested in classical music.  He studied piano as a younger person and enjoyed attending classical concerts with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He established the family tradition of attending the Nutcracker Suite every year!

Peter VanLowe was blessed with a lifelong admiration of nature's bounty, a generous heart and a prodigious green thumb.  Prior to his move to Maryland, he maintained a large, lovely garden at his home in Detroit.  He delighted in gifting a variety plants and exotic cuttings to family and friends.  During the Christmas season, it was common for Peter to appear at one's front door, bearing heartfelt Christmas tidings and a lush, vibrant Poinsettia plant.  He also had an interest in coin and stamps collecting.  Ever the curious global citizen, Peter traveled widely.  In his lifetime, he had the opportunity to visit Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Canada, China and Japan. 

Peter was confirmed at St. Matthew’s and St. joseph’s Episcopal Church in Detroit. He was a member for over 50 years. After Peter and Helen VanLowe moved from Detroit to Maryland they joined Saint Mary Magdalen Episcopal Church in Silver Spring Maryland.  Peter was on the vestry within the church and was in charge of the Church grounds. Many parishioners commented that the church grounds were always attractive and well maintained.  He was also known to surprise the kids in the church with many Christmas and Easter treats!

While in Maryland Peter enjoyed two of his grandchildren Maurice and Sophia.  Peter and Helen also visited with their 3rd grandchild Faith. Peter enjoyed exploring the sights and attractions of Maryland and the District of Columbia as he acclimated to his new home.

After fighting multiple myeloma for a number of years and a recent hip replacement, Peter made his transition on Tuesday, January 7th 2020.  He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of over 50 years, Helen; a son, Kevin (Yvonne); daughter Krystal (Arnett);  grandson Maurice; granddaughters Sophia and Faith; sister, Matilda Seaton of Detroit; sister in law, Rose VanLowe; a loving cousin, Lovely Billups of New York, other relatives and many friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Benjamin VanLowe "Peter", please visit our floral store.