Dorothea Evelyn Harding Peterson, born April 10, 1930 passed away peacefully at her home in Hedgesville, WV, on November 9, 2018 surrounded by family. Dorothea was born in Jamestown, New York the daughter of Roland and Alta Mae (Drew) Harding. Dorothea was a graduate of Jamestown High School, and Albany State College where she received her bachelor’s degree. Dorothea was an avid reader who especially loved novels, poetry, and the classics. Her love of books took her back to school in 1972 to earn a Masters of Library Science at Syracuse University; she served as both a school and a church librarian. Dorothea was also a lifelong student and lover of the Spanish language and attended a Spanish speaking church for several years.
In June 1952 Dorothea married Roger Peterson, an U.S. Air Force Lieutenant, who was also from the Jamestown, NY area. In 1965, they undertook an adventure—tent camping across the country to Eugene, Oregon with five small children. Dorothea passed her love of games: chess, scrabble, cards, and puzzles, on to her children and grandchildren. She was also an avid birdwatcher. Dorothea and Roger raised their family in Cortland, New York where they were faithful members of Memorial Baptist Church for over 30 years. Dorothea and Roger lived in several U.S. states including Nevada, New Mexico, Mississippi, Oregon, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Dorothea is survived by her children: Roger (Abbie) Peterson Jr., Shelley Peterson, Kathryn (David) Moore, and Richard (Sonja) Peterson, and grandchildren: Jim Peterson, Joel (Mallory) Peterson, Dwan Peterson, Jovonne Peterson, Shawn Peterson, Jasmyn Peterson, Lisa (Todd) Masker, Chris (Amy) Moore, Sean (Jessica) Moore, Michele Moore, Jennifer (Daniel Foss) Peterson, Stephanie (Evan Acardi) Peterson, great-grandchildren: Jacob, Margo, India, Vincent, Sullyvan, Joshua, and Titus, many nieces and nephews, and also, her special care-friend, Mady. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Roger Peterson Sr., a son, Bradley Peterson, a granddaughter, Donna Peterson, a great-granddaughter, Syndell, and her brother, Richard Harding. Funeral Service will be held at RGBC at 117 S. Illinois Ave., Martinsburg, WV 25401 at 1 PM Friday, November 16, 2018. Hospice Chaplain Wayne Clark officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior. Interment at Rosedale Cemetery will be private.
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