Mrs. Gloria J. Peterson

Beloved wife, mom, daughter, and friend, Gloria passed away peacefully at Mount Carmel Care Center in Lenox, MA on December 13, 2022. Gloria was a resident of West Springfield, MA and East Otis, MA for most of her life, and wintered in Ft Myers, FL. Most recently Gloria was a resident of Mt Carmel Care Center in Lenox, MA. The family wishes to thank all of the staff at Mt Carmel Care Center for their wonderful care. A special thank you to Lindsi, whom Gloria loved dearly. Gloria leaves behind her beloved husband of 55 years, Robert (Jack) Peterson and her children, her son Edward Maxfield and his wife Susan Maxfield of West Springfield, MA, her daughter Cynthia Johnson and her husband Richard Johnson of South Strafford, VT, her daughter Roberta Sarnacki and her husband David Sarnacki of East Otis, MA, her daughter Robin Peterson and her husband Christopher Woomer of East Otis, MA, and her daughter Rebecca Peterson and her husband Stephen Paul of Watertown, MA. Gloria was predeceased by her eldest son Melvin Maxfield, Jr., and by her late husband Edward Arnold. Gloria is also survived by her sister Grace White of Barre, VT, and by her grandchildren Erica Spiotta, Heidi Foye, Ryan Johnson, Christen Leahey, Samantha Maxfield, Grace Paul, Jack Paul, Kayleigh Putnam, Abigail Putnam, Elizabeth Sarnacki, and Margaret Glory Sarnacki. Gloria also has five great grandchildren. Gloria was born to Raymond and Goldie Swift on June 8, 1937, in their home on a dairy farm in South Strafford, Vermont. She attended high school at Thetford Academy in Thetford, VT where she met her first husband Melvin Maxfield Sr. They had three children together. Gloria remained friends with Melvin Sr. and his wife Roxy Maxfield. Gloria was Post Master at the East Otis Post Office for many years when it was still inside Hall’s General Store. Before that she worked alongside Arnold Hall while he was Post Master. Gloria also worked as a server at Valley’s Steak House in Springfield, MA, and as a paralegal and receptionist. Gloria loved singing karaoke at the Moose Lodge in Ft Myers, FL. She also loved listening and dancing to country music at the former Olde Otis Inn and the Silverbrook with her husband Jack, and friends Hazel and Pokey. She loved shopping with her friend Herta, playing bingo, trips to Mohegan Sun, writing poems, doing crossword puzzles and reading novels. Gloria was well known for her quick wit and humor. She was also well known for her delicious apple pies and cinnamon and sugar cookies. Gloria especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gloria’s name may be made to the Mount Carmel Care Center Employee Christmas fund, 320 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, MA 01240, or to Moose Lodge 964, 19090 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL, 33931, with hurricane fund in the memo. The Fort Myers beach Moose Lodge was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian, and it is a place Gloria loved very much. In honoring Gloria’s wishes, no public service will be held. Gloria will be buried at the Agawam Veterans Cemetery in Agawam, MA.

Mrs. Gloria J. Peterson

June 8, 1937 - December 13, 2022