Born in Fall River, a daughter of the late William and Hannah (Allcock) Peterson, she has been a lifelong area resident.
In addition to being a homemaker, she was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 303 in Swansea and the First Baptist Church in Fall River. An avid reader, she enjoyed taking walks, playing cards, shopping, and spending time with her family.
She is survived by two sons, David Askew of WA, Glenn Askew and his wife Ann of Somerset; one daughter, Linda Araujo and her husband Henry of Fonda, NY, one step-daughter, Donna Arruda of Swansea, nine grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late Robert Askew Jr and Dorothy "Dodie" Askew and sister of the late William, James, Chester, Donald and Everett Peterson.
Private arrangements are in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, Swansea. Contributions in her honor may be made to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 20 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd., Newport, RI 02840.