Betty Peterson passed away on May 17, 2026, at the age of 95. She was born Mildred Elizabeth Doebler on June 22,1930 to Frank and Echo (Cooke) Doebler. Betty was raised on Summit Ave in Catskill with her seven brothers and sisters. She was the last surviving sibling.

She met her husband, Carl Peterson, at Catskill High School after she captivated him with her comedic performance in the school play. They fell in love and got married on May 27,1951 while Carl was home on leave from the Army. After Carl’s discharge, and a couple of years living in Milford, CT, they moved back to Catskill and had a house built on Post Ave where 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 her children’s lives.

Betty took a job at the Department of Social Services on Main Street in Catskill when her youngest child started kindergarten. She was a dedicated and proud worker for 15 years, all while continuing to support her family and friends, until her retirement in 1991. She pursued several hobbies such as playing the piano, sometimes accompanying family sing-a longs; painting-by numbers, several of which still hang in the family home; and painting ceramics, many of them gifted to her family and friends. Betty was an avid reader and loved doing word puzzles until her eyesight began to fail in her later years.

Betty and her family were members of St. Luke’s Church for many years where she volunteered in many capacities. She was Treasurer, served on the Coffee Hour Committee, was a Greeter, helped prepare the weekly bulletins, and was a member of the Vestry, Alter Guild, and Episcopal Church Women’s ministry. Betty continued serving the church until she could no longer leave her house due to declining health and the onset of the pandemic. Her last years were difficult due to health issues, but she loved listening to music and “dancing” in her chair, telling stories, and laughing with her caregivers and family.

Betty is survived by her four children, Karen Peterson (Dominic Frank) of Herkimer, NY, Sandy Peterson (Chalon Mullins) of Danville, CA, Kim Rappleyea (Richard) of Catskill, and Darin Peterson (Anne Marie) of Freehold; her seven grandchildren, Brad, Kyle, Heather, Ryan, Conor, Kirstyn and Kaitlyn; ten great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Betty was also blessed by the love and compassion of her amazing caregivers, Rose, Jen, Lori, and Margot during the last six years of her life. Betty was predeceased by her close friends and companions Coleman 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 a.m., with a calling time for family and friends at 10:30 a.m. 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 your choice.