PORTLAND, ME ---- Nancy Smith Peterson passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, in Portland, ME. Her husband, partner in life and love, Richard Carl Peterson predeceased her a short time ago on April 23, 2023.
Nancy was born on February 9, 1932, in Portland, ME. Her early years were spent in Nahant, MA, with her parents, Dr. Raymond E. Smith and Beaulah Otis Smith and her sister, Judith Smith Johanson. Later, the family moved to Swampscott, MA, where Nancy attended Swampscott High School, and was known as intelligent, witty, and athletic. She received her B.S. in Physical Therapy from Bouvé at Tufts University. During that time she met Richard “Pete” Peterson and they were married two years later on June 11, 1955.
They lived in Marblehead, MA, for three years and then moved with their young daughter to South Paris, ME, where they added two sons to their family. Over the years they moved around northern New England ending back in their beloved Maine.
Nancy was an avid reader, strong skier, and impressive tennis player. She loved her calling as a physical therapist, and her pursuit of knowledge in her field was ongoing and diverse. She carried her knowledge with lightness and humor. Nancy was also a volunteer ski patroller, Girl Scout leader, and March of Dimes volunteer. She cherished and nurtured her relationships with her lifelong friends, and was active and caring in her church and greater community.
Although age and dementia sapped some of her abilities in her last few years, her sweetness, joie de vivre, and sense of humor never faded. She was revered and adored by her family, children Janii Peterson (m. Lawrence Mott), Steven Peterson (m. Anna), and Jon Peterson (m. Gail); her grandchildren, Hayden, Nel, Forrest, Jesse, Peter, Noli, and Kristian; her great grandchildren, Jocelyn, Amelia, Forrest, Edward, Daisy, Esme, and Oliver; and her beloved nieces, Karen, Kathleen, Talia, and Ava.
A Memorial Service for both Nancy and Richard will be celebrated on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH.
Burial will follow at the Raymond C. Wixson Memorial Garden, Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services and 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St. Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.