Eulogy for Carol Ann Peterson
Thank you all for coming today to celebrate the life of a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, who was affectionately known as Grandma and Mimi by her 3 grandchildren who adored her.
Mom had a wonderful and beautiful childhood filled with great fun. She grew up on the south shore of Long Island and spent most of her adolescence into young adulthood living in the small quaint town of Sayville, NY with wonderful parents who instilled strong values of respect, loyalty, kindness and responsibility into their children’s hearts. The Peterson household at 77 Collins Ave was quite lively with 2 sons and 4 daughters. This is where she developed strong morals and values and being united as a family. Being that she was the 2nd child of 4 girls it was no surprise that she quickly learned to be independent and assertive.
My mom had a contagious laugh and warm heart that brightened everyone’s life. Mom was very likeable. Growing up, she had numerous friendships and Collins Ave was a revolving door of many memories and friendships.
Mom’s core motivating force was love. Love for God, love for family and friends and love for helping others. And with that love, sometimes she would give it to you straight…, with absolutely no filter.
Mom was a woman of great faith, seldom did a Sunday go by without my brother and I attending church. We all know Carol…, heavens for Betsy, if we ever slept in… those covers would have been ripped off so fast.
Every night without fail Mom wore rollers. I don’t know how she slept in those! As the years went on, she upgraded to hot rollers which soon turned into the new rage of the curling iron and flat iron. What a sight….
Mom loved to sing in the car and dance in the house. At any event she would be the first on the dance floor.
She was an avid reader, she found solace and inspiration within the pages of countless books, allowing her imagination to soar and spirit to grow. It’s no surprise that she always read to us as children, and she carried that on with her grandchildren. I hold many memories at our local library and bedtime stories she read to us as children.
Mom taught us to ride our bicycles, took us to Red Wing Park and Taconic State Park on summer days and we enjoyed great fun in our own pool.
Some other memories that I hold dear are our days spent on Candlewood Lake, yearly vacations to Schroon Lake, Saranac Lake, our trip to Paris, our many of trips to Charleston, and in later years our trips to Sebastian FL where she enjoyed several vacations with her children, grandchildren, as well as her sister, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews. Additionally, our walks around Lake Walton, holiday gatherings, Aunt Ginny & Uncle Charlie’s pool parties, family picnics, events, weddings and oh so many more wonderful occasions.
She was a stay-at-home mother for the first few years, and she quickly learned how to balance family, friendships, and career. Before mom left for work, she always prepared a well-balanced meal in advance so when Dad got home, he would just need to heat it up in the oven. I also recall so many meals prepared in the crock pot. She cherished family time during meals.
I couldn’t count the times that Mom told us that she loved us or the times we told her we loved her. Her love was clear and consistent, and we felt enveloped in her love.
Mom worked in the medical field for over 40 years. She held various roles such as nurses aid, MA, billing, receptionist, office manager.
She had an exceptional work ethic and took pride in every position she held. In fact, she enjoyed working so much when we moved her to Maplewood, she thought her job was caring for the other residents.
When mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s it not only impacted her but everyone she knew and who loved her.
I remember vividly the day she received her diagnosis …, we were at the Neuropsychologist’s office in Katonah, NY. Mom was with the Doctor; I was in the waiting room. Even with the sound machine on, I could hear the doctor deliver the diagnosis. I could hear Mom crying and heard her say her only concern was for me and didn’t want me to be scared. This is another example of my mom being a selfless individual. We saw her go through numerous challenges: however, her courage and resilience were remarkable reminding us that her spirit remained untarnished despite the cruel realities of the disease.
Mom, please know that I will continue to instill the values and morals that you taught your children in Alessia and her future family. I know you’ll be proud as your unconditional love, compassion and spirit will always be with us. I’m grateful that we’ve had these 5 strong years in CT with you. Alessia has quickly learned to display many of your qualities of taking care of people. Her empathy and compassion to you were remarkable from such a young age.
Mom’s favorite time of the year was the fall. So, I guess it’s only fitting that she would begin her new and everlasting journey this season. While she is watching over us, she is also enjoying the beautiful view of the turning of the foliage. I will miss my mom for the rest of my life, and I know she is at peace now and with the Lord whom she deeply believed in.
Mom, It was an honor and a privilege to walk side by side with you these last 6 years. It was a difficult and challenging journey. The few things that make it easier are knowing how much you were loved by your family and the amazing care you received from all the employees at Maplewood and Constellation Health Services. I’ve never met such genuine, loving caregivers. And, for that, I will be eternally grateful.
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