Obituary of Mary Lorraine Peterson

Mary Lorraine Peterson age 69, of Hamden, CT died peacefully on Saturday, February 6, at the West Haven VA Hospice Unit, after an extended illness. Mary was born on August 19, 1951 in Schenectady, NY to Orion Justin and Mary Jane Beadling, both of whom predeceased her. She is survived by her loving daughter, Lorraine of Port Jefferson, NY, and sisters, Diana MacKenzie of Lake City, SD and Joyce Casanave (Tony) of Claremont, New Hampshire, as well as her nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. From 1972-1976, Mary served in the US Navy, after which she was employed as a computer programmer. Always extremely creative, Mary was an avid crafter and seamstress. In 1999, she founded a business called Amazable Science Adventures, serving after-school programs teaching science skills through creative adventures that included rocket launching, Phunny Putty, Cartesian divers, teleidescopes, magnets, and more. Mary lived a life filled with generosity and charity, volunteering regularly at Bethesda Lutheran Church in New Haven, teaching Sunday school and running special craft events. She also volunteered her time at Camp Calumet in Freedom, New Hampshire, and with the Connecticut Special Olympics, sharing her love of science with many. Private funeral services will be held in Essex, CT for family. A larger memorial service will be planned at Bethesda Lutheran Church in New Haven, after the COVID- 19 pandemic has subsided. Following that, Mary's ashes will be added to the Memorial Garden at Camp Calumet, a place that she and Lorraine loved. If you wish to remember Mary, you may do so through an Act of Kindness or you may make a donation to the mission of Camp Calumet, Bethesda Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.