WALLINGFORD � Love of family and friends best describes Mildred Louise Peterson, who died peacefully on October 24, 2008 at the Masonic Healthcare Center surrounded by her family. Mildred was born on June 9, 1928 in Plainfield, NJ, the daughter of the late Andrew and Amelia (Gessel) Beck. She graduated from North Plainfield High School and settled in the area with her beloved husband William Edward Peterson. Together they worked and raised a family until they relocated in 1976 to Maine, where they had summered for many years. After the death of her husband, Mildred continued to touch the lives of those she met on her journeys through Camden and Portland, ME, Southbury, CT and finally in Wallingford. Her memory will always remain in the hearts of her daughters, Nancy Crolius and her husband Ross of Ardsley, NY and Karen Peterson and her partner Ann Borsellino of Yorktown Heights, NY. She also is survived by Margaret Crolius, her granddaughter and Popham Beach buddy, and will be fondly remembered by her niece, nephews, cousins, and friends. Besides her husband, Mildred was predeceased by a brother, Andrew William Beck, Jr., and a son, William Edward Peterson, Jr. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service in celebration of her life at 11:30am on November 8, 2008 at the chapel of the Masonic Healthcare Center, 22 Masonic Ave., Wallingford. There are no calling hours. Services and interment in Maine will be at the convenience of the family. It is suggested that contributions in her memory be made to: The National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016 or the American Liver Foundation, 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, New York, NY 10038.