Obituaries

Ruth Elizabeth "Betty" Peterson of Westfield Dies at 95

Peterson's daughter referred to her as "the unofficial Mayor of Westfield."

The following information was provided by Dooley Colonial Funeral Home.

Written by the daughter or Ruth Elizabeth "Betty" Peterson.

Ruth Elizabeth “Betty” Peterson, my beautiful mother, passed away on January 7, 2014.

Betty was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1919, but resided in Westfield for 86 years.  The last 13 years were spent in her beloved condo which she called her nest.  Thankfully she spent her final moments peacefully in her nest in her bed.

A proud and elegant lady, Betty never stepped out of the house without being stylishly dressed.  She would make the rounds in Westfield, popping into stores to say hi, checking up on friends and their families, or just window shopping to update her look.  You never saw her without a smile.  As the unofficial “Mayor of Westfield” she will be missed by her friends at the Westfield Women’s Club, the Presbyterian Church, and her bridge club.

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Mom grew up during the depression era and sacrificed her needs, education and dream of being an interior designer to help provide for her mother, father and brother.  She always believed in the power of love and family.  I am privileged to be her daughter.  Her unconditional love and support for me and her internal strength carried both of us through many life crises.

Betty met the love of her life, Harry (Lefty) Peterson by accident.  He was going on a blind date and knocked on Betty’s door by mistake.  She was engaged to another man at that time.  She said that when she saw him, she knew he was the only man for her.  They dated for a while and Lefty went off to war.  He was gone for 5 years, but she waited for him to come home and marry her.  They married in 1946 and were together for 57 years.  Although she was a widow for 11 years she would always be married to the love of her life.

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Mom’s goals in life were simple-to be the best wife, the best daughter and the best mother she could possibly be.  She far surpassed those goals.  She touched the lives of all who knew her.  Her friendship lasted a lifetime.  Her smile lit up the room.  Her love of life was infectious.  She was “one of a kind” and will forever be missed.  She is irreplaceable.  I now understand the devastating pain and anguish she suffered when she lost my Dad.  Betty is and will always be the best Mom any child could have asked for.

Her beloved grand dog Jake and I will see her again one day.  Until then Mom, thank you for life and always loving me.  This is my love letter to you.

The celebration of her life was held on Sunday, January 12th at Dooley Colonial Home, 556 Westfield Ave. in Westfield.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Betty’s favorite charities—The Salvation Army or to the ASPCA.


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