Lillian Elizabeth Peterson

Lillian Elizabeth Peterson of Glastonbury passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her two daughters and her two cats on August 14, 2013 following a brief illness. Lillian was born on December 23, 1925 in North Adams, Massachusetts to the late Thor and Augusta (Johnson) Peterson. She graduated from Drury High School and from secretarial school in North Adams. She was married on October 25, 1947 to Prentiss L. Peterson who preceded her in death in 1993. People often joked that she married someone with the same last name so she would not have to change her own name. Following her marriage she moved to Springfield and then Worcester, Massachusetts and later to Connecticut with her husband and daughters in 1965, settling in Glastonbury 31 years ago. Lillian retired from the State of Connecticut in 2003 following an illustrious 30 year career, with her last 27 years of service spent in the Office of the Attorney General as an Administrative Assistant under the Ajello, Lieberman, Riddle and Blumenthal administrations. She served as Executive Secretary to Attorney General Clarine Nardi Riddle and later during the Blumenthal administration to Deputy State Attorneys General Aaron Bayer and Carolyn Querijero. “Lil” as she was affectionately referred to by her co-workers and friends was a gracious and dignified lady with quiet elegance. Considered a fixture in the Office of the Attorney General, her colleagues always knew she would be there for them in any circumstance. Lillian enjoyed traveling, having made several trips to Europe, Hawaii, Bermuda, and various locations throughout the United States. She was past President of the South End Ladies Democratic Club of Greater Hartford. Following her retirement, she enjoyed trips to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun and loved to watch the UCONN girls’ basketball games on television. Recently she began enjoying activities at the Glastonbury Senior Center, most especially her Stretchercize class where she made many new friends. A loving mother and a devoted friend, Lillian epitomized beauty inside and out. Those who knew her considered themselves privileged to know such a lovely lady and the world will not be the same for them without her. Always one to offer a kind and reassuring word she was a source of strength and comfort to many. Lillian is survived by her two daughters, Attorney Linda A. Russo of East Hartford, and Elizabeth (Betsy) Wright and husband Tim of Glastonbury, as well as her two beloved cats, Emily and Lucy. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Frank W. Russo, and her beloved brother, Pfc. Lennart W. Peterson, who was lost at sea in World War II at the age of 19 during the attack of the S.S. Leopoldville on Christmas Eve 1944. During a trip to Europe she was able to visit the American Military Cemetery in Normandy, France where her brother’s name is listed on the Wall of the Missing. A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Church of Christ, 250 Main Street, Wethersfield. Eulogies will be delivered by former Connecticut State Attorney General and Superior Court Judge, The Honorable Clarine Nardi Riddle, and United States Senator Richard Blumenthal. Burial is private. Glastonbury Funeral Home, 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury is entrusted with her arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Protectors of Animals, 144 Main Street, East Hartford, Connecticut 06118. Special thanks to Masonicare Hospice and caregiver, Diane Iwans, who surrounded her with comfort and care during her final days. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.glastonburyfuneral.com