Linda Peterson

Peterson, Linda Sue MCFARLAND Linda Sue Peterson, age 65, died on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, at HospiceCare in Fitchburg. She was born on April 16, 1943, in Long Island, N.Y., the daughter of Charles Philip and Edna Mae (Butchard) Meisenhelder. Linda earned a bachelors degree in education and nursing certification from the University of New York, Plattsburg. After graduating from college, she traveled within the United States, Canada and Europe. She met her future husband, Terry, on Long Island at a Boy Scout camp, where Linda was the camp nurse and Terry was the chaplain. They were engaged after a few weeks. She was a school nurse/teacher and an R.N. at the hospital. Following her medical career she became a full time mother of three. In later years, she assumed the role of caregiver for her mother, Edna. Linda had many artistic abilities including painting (oil and water colors), Norwegian rosemaling, drawing, sewing American Girl Doll clothing for her granddaughters and creating prom dresses overnight. She could make delicious meals from virtually nothing. Linda had a wonderful vision for Christmas decorating. She was a very gifted musician, playing the piano and organ, and had a wonderful singing voice. Linda had strong relationships and respect for those in the medical community, especially those who cared for her during the past months. She understood the protocol as she too was once in the professional caregivers shoes. Linda upheld the "spirit of Grammy" through traditions, family events, and even with humor in her last days. She is survived by her husband, the Rev. Terry; three children, Andrew Charles (Kristin) Peterson, Amy Elizabeth (Peterson) Wimmer and Eric Severin Peterson; two grandchildren, Kathryn and Grace; a brother, Roger (Constance Boardman) Meisenhelder; two nephews; a niece; and a grandkitty, Forrest Gump. Linda was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held at MCFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5529 Marsh Road, McFarland, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, with the Rev. Jeff Tomberlin presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 26, 2008, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Committal services will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, Amherst, at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008, with a gathering of family and friends to follow at Peace Lutheran Church in Amherst until 3:00 pm. Memorials may be made to McFarland Lutheran Church or to HospiceCare Inc.