Obituary of Martha Peterson

Martha Lewis Peterson, 87, died peacefully in hospice care at the home of her son, Robert on May 25, 2013, from complications following a major stroke. As she approached the end of life she had the assurance of eternal life through her faith in Jesus Christ. She was dearly loved and will be missed by all of her surviving family: three sons, Stephen Peterson of Asheboro, NC, Dan (Mari) Peterson of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and Robert (Cindy) Peterson of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren (with three more on the way). Martha was born on November 27, 1925 and spent her youth in the loving care of her parents, Raymond and Ada Lewis in Binghamton, New York. At the age of 21 she met the man of her dreams and future husband, Donald Peterson, who was visiting an army buddy in Binghamton after World War II had ended. They were happily married on May 5, 1947 and continued their romance for 64 years until Don died in 2011. ?Marty? was truly Don?s loving help mate and found her greatest joy in building a warm and loving home with him in the small town of Wilmington, NY where they lived for over fifty years in the house they built in the heart of New York?s Adirondack Mountains. Her boys will tell you there is no greater gift than a loving Mom who invests her life in her husband and children. After the boys were grown she re-entered the workforce as a bank teller at the Bank of Lake Placid. She advanced to Manager of a branch bank where she worked until she retired. Marty was always active in the community, and especially in their local church where she taught Sunday School, played the organ for services, and was active in women?s ministries. Her bright cheery smile and sweet disposition made her a welcome friend wherever she went. Marty?s little kitchen was always turning out cookies, cakes, and her famous pies for family and especially friends in need. Her grandchildren were always her favorite companions in the kitchen. Martha was also a talented artist who created wonderful paintings of the mountains and landscapes that surrounded her. Many of those paintings are now in the homes of her family and friends, reminding us always of her beautiful life. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 31st at the Evangelical Free Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, followed by a luncheon for family and friends at the church. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Wisconsin Rapids is assisting the family. Memorials may be designated to Arborview Court, 3750 Blue Violet Lane, Wisconsin Rapids, where Martha was a resident in assisted living for almost 2 years.