Norwich, VT- Kathleen Elizabeth Peterson, 80, died in the early morning of Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care in Lebanon, NH.

Kathy was the first born of a large family on January 27, 1943, in Newark, NJ, to parents Frank and Ruth (Denison) Peterson. She graduated from Battin High School in Elizabeth, NJ in 1961 and embarked on a nursing career. She attended St. Elizabeth School of Nursing on a scholarship and worked at St. Elizabeth's Hospital.  While there, her hard work, attention to detail, and efficiency were recognized as she rose to the position of Operating Room Supervisor at the early age of 22. After some time in San Francisco, she returned to the east coast, first on Staten Island at St. Vincent's Hospital then to the Upper Valley in the early 70's where she began her tenure at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.  Kathy was recognized for her many years of excellent performance and retired in 2005.

In 1991, she forged a friendship with Sheila Taraska and six years later, the two moved into a property in Norwich that they dearly loved. They renovated the old farmhouse and called it home.  Kathy and Sheila were married on a crisp October day in 2009 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Norwich. Kathy's skilled eye and talent to restore antiques filled their home with pieces that made it their own and remained true to the period it was built.  The two cherished their time surrounded by family, wonderful friends and especially a group of ladies who dubbed themselves the Plaides Tribe. They greatly enjoyed their annual vacations in Aruba.  Kathy's interests included in-depth conversations on an extensive number of topics: the latest technologies, sports (especially women's basketball), antiques, sports cars, boating, art, music, and literature.

Kathy's predeceased by her spouse Sheila Anne Taraska and three brothers John, Frank Jr., and James Peterson.  She is survived by five siblings, Dianne Neuss of Toms River, NJ, Daniel Peterson of Fort Myers, FL, Irene Moscaritolo of Allentown, PA, Robert Peterson of Fort Myers, and Beverly Hatle of Humble, TX, many nephews and nieces, other relatives, and numerous friends.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, from 3 to 5 pm at Knight Funeral Home, White River Junction, VT.  A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 2 pm at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hanover, NH.  Memorial donations are appreciated to the Upper Valley Haven or the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care.