HAHarvey Walden
4 days agoMildred 'Betty' Peterson, Catskill Native, Dies at 95
Betty Peterson passed away on May 17, 2026 at the age of 95. She wasborn Mildred Elizabeth Doebler on June 22,1930 to Frank and Echo(Cooke) Doebler. Betty was raised on Summit Ave in Catskill with herseven brothers and sisters. She was the last surviving sibling.She met her husband, Carl Peterson, at Catskill High School after shecaptivated him with her comedic performance in the school play. They fellin love and got married on May 27,1951 while Carl was home on leavefrom the Army. After Carl’s discharge, and a couple of years living inMilford, CT, they moved back to Catskill and had a house built on Post Avewhere they raised four children and lived out the rest of their lives. Carl,however, passed away in 1998 leaving a huge hole in Betty and herchildren’s lives.Betty took a job at the Dept. of Social Services on Main St. in Catskill whenher youngest child started kindergarten. She was a dedicated and proudworker for 15 years, all while continuing to support her family and friends,until her retirement in 1991. She pursued several hobbies such as playingthe piano, sometimes accompanying family sing-a longs; painting-by numbers, several of which still hang in the family home; and paintingceramics, many of them gifted to her family and friends. Betty was an avidreader and loved doing word puzzles until her eyesight began to fail in herlater years.Betty and her family were members of St. Luke’s Church for many yearswhere she volunteered in many capacities. She was Treasurer, served onthe Coffee Hour Committee, was a Greeter, helped prepare the weeklybulletins, and was a member of the Vestry, Alter Guild, and EpiscopalChurch Women’s ministry. Betty continued serving the church until shecould no longer leave her house due to declining health and the onset ofthe pandemic. Her last years were difficult due to health issues, but sheloved listening to music and “dancing” in her chair, telling stories, andlaughing with her caregivers and family.Betty is survived by her four children, Karen Peterson (Dominic Frank) ofHerkimer, NY, Sandy Peterson (Chalon Mullins) of Danville, CA, KimRappleyea (Richard) of Catskill, and Darin Peterson (Anne Marie) ofFreehold; her seven grandchildren, Brad, Kyle, Heather, Ryan, Conor,Kirstyn and Kaitlyn; ten great grandchildren; and many nieces andnephews. Betty was also blessed by the love and compassion of heramazing caregivers, Rose, Jen, Lori, and Margot during the last six yearsof her life. Betty was predeceased by her close friends and companionsColeman Duncan and Patrick Angelo. She and her spirit will be missed.A Memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, William St.,Catskill on June 20 at 11:00 am, with a Calling Time for family and friendsat 10:30. There will be a reception to follow in St. Luke’s Fellowship Hall.A private burial will take place at the discretion of the family.In Lieu of flowers, a contribution in memory of Betty can be sent to St.Luke’s Episcopal Church, 50 William St., Catskill, NY or a charity of yourchoice.
