Elizabeth R. Peterson

Betty passed away on March 14, 2015. She was born in Springfield, New Jersey in 1921, to Margaret and Phillip Bono (Americanized spelling). She was the fifth of eight children. While still in high school, Betty met her future husband, John, in a soda shop. They were married just before World War II. John was a career army officer, which allowed the couple to travel the world. Three of their four children were born in different states, and one overseas. In the early 1960’s, John retired from the military, and they moved to Miami, Florida. A few years later they moved again to Sarasota, Florida. Betty lived there for over 40 years, even after her beloved husband passed away in 1985. In Sarasota, Betty was an active member of St. Martha's Catholic Church, and the Sarasota’s Lions Club where she participated in many committees, including the Rosary Guild. She was the guild’s treasurer for many years. Betty enjoyed working outside the home. Over the years she had different jobs, but they always involved bookkeeping. Betty was fast and accurate with numbers and could remember the smallest details. She enjoyed sewing and embroidering. All of her children and grandchildren have beautiful linens hand-made by Betty. In her later years, Betty learned to quilt. Her hands were always busy. She also enjoyed reading, and occasionally going to the casino. When John was alive they always had a boat and spent many beautiful Florida days on the water. Even though both John and Betty were from the North East, they always vacationed south of Miami in the Florida Keys or Everglades. Betty’s eyes would light up when she told stories of growing up in a large, happy family, or when she met her husband, or her overseas travels, or the experiences she had as an army wife. For the last several years, Betty lived in Oneonta, New York at Saint James Manor with her daughter, Lisbeth (Beth). She enjoyed and appreciated the friendship of the residents and caring staff at the Manor.

Betty is survived by a loving family: daughter, Lisbeth (Beth) Nielsen-Gildea of Oneonta, NY; son, John Peterson, Jr., his wife Barbara, granddaughter Cheryl Peterson, great-grandson, Mikey Peterson of Ray City, GA; daughter, Margaret (Peggy Peterson) and her husband Ken Golden of Oneonta, NY, grandson Michael Golden and his wife Emma Tipping, great-granddaughter Rosie Golden and great-grandson Isaac Golden of Woodside, CA, grandson Seth Golden and his wife Kristen Golden of Denver, CO, granddaughter Hayley Golden of Weehawken, NJ; son Wayne Peterson of Sarasota, FL, granddaughter Jessica Peterson and her husband Sean Costigan of Jacksonville, FL, granddaughter Katie Peterson and her husband Blair Neal of Richmond, TX, granddaughter Angela (Peterson) Young and her husband John Young and great-grandson John, Jr. of Clearwater, FL. Betty was also predeceased by five of her siblings and her son-in-law James Gildea. In lieu of flowers, a donation could be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a charity Betty supported her entire adult life. On Saturday, March 21, at 12:30 there will be a celebration of her life at Saint James Manor in Oneonta, New York. We will miss her.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.