Verna Arlene Peterson

Mom was a loving and self-proclaimed nutritionist who always preached about the importance of drinking your orange juice (with or without vodka). She was adamant about following nutritional serving suggestions within the food pyramid: cream horns, for example, are not junk food! They are made with eggs and cream, which fall within the meat and dairy categories respectively. Eclairs, in her eyes, deserved the same recognition; not only for their ability to instill immediate joy but also for their concealed nutrition. It’s all smoke and mirrors but an argument she perfected at some point in her 40+ years as a waitress for Valle’s in Portland.

Mom loved flowers; but not of the overly fragrant, colorful and living variety. She preferred easy keepers, flowers that didn’t need a lot of attention, the ones that you can keep forever. Cloth you say? Yes, please! Mom had such a collection that Better Homes & Gardens would be jealous. Shhhh, don’t tell them.

Verna is survived by her son Stephen Peterson and his fiancée Teri Dodge; her daughter Brenda and her husband Joe Turcotte, all of Portland. Her seven grandchildren; Torri, Eric, Cassandra, Randy, Chris, Ronnie and Sam, many great grandchildren, two great, great grandchildren and many loved nieces and nephews. Her sisters: Jean Macumber, Susan Goodine, Irene Sypek and her brother, Bob Scott. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Howard, and her sister Judy.

Per mom’s request, we will not be having a service. Instead, we are having a celebration of mom’s life on Sunday, July 17th beginning at 1pm at Steve and Teri’s house: 60 Powsland Street, Portland. Please don’t send any flowers; of the living or artificial variety. Instead, we ask that anyone attending wear the color purple since this was mom’s favorite color.

We would like to thank the staff at Seaside Nursing Home, Maine Medical Center and Hospice of Southern Maine. The care you extended to mom was exceptional and we are deeply grateful for all that you have done.

On-line condolences can be given to the family by visiting www.jonesrichandhhutchins.com.