PETERSON, Patricia Abbott, Beloved wife of 58 years to Irvin L. "Pete" Peterson, Patricia passed away on Dec. 4, 2009 under the care of Hospice of Citrus County. She is survived by her husband; three sons; and six grandchildren, Frank William (Marie Cox) Peterson and their daughter Amanda of Dravosburg, PA, Donald Abbott (Patricia Oscanyan) Peterson and their children Carlene, Dustin, and Terra of Palmyra, NY, Alan Frederick (Robin Hopkins) Peterson and their children Zachary and Abby of Annandale, VA. She is also survived by her cousin Charles (Alice) Abbott; niece Kristie (Wayne) Walker and nephews Bob (Shirley) and Bill Abbott. Patricia was born to Elmer Willis and Ruth Bowie Abbott in Bangor, ME, went to school in Auburn, ME and Burlington, VT and graduated from Boston University before moving to California with her brother Bob. She married Pete in Sacramento, CA in 1951 and lived in Dinuba, Merced, Davis and Fremont, CA; Bellevue, WA and Beltsville, MD. They retired to Beverly Hills, FL in 1993. The Governor of Maryland recognized Patricia for her work on the Board of the Greater Laurel Community Hospital in its formative period. She was an important staff member of the Beltsville News, a local community newspaper. She was also an active participant in youth, community and religious groups, serving as a den mother in Cub Scouts, running the concession stand for Little League baseball, teaching Sunday School, singing in the church choir, and serving as a volunteer worker in hospitals and libraries wherever she lived. More recently, she was an active member of the Beverly Hills Community Church, Recreation Association, Skillbank, Surveillance Unit, Garden Club and the Civic Association. Most importantly, Patricia was truly devoted to family and friends as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and neighborhood friend. A memorial service will be held at the Beverly Hills Community Church on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 10 am in remembrance and celebration of Patricia's life.
Published in St. Petersburg Times (FL) - Tuesday, December 8, 2009