EASTHAMPTON

Theresa M. (Nowakowski) Peterson, passed away at Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst on Thursday, July 22, 2021, less than a month before her 94^th birthday. She contracted Covid-19 in December, triggering her declining period of health. She was born on August 20, 1927 to the late Mary (Czarnecki) and Joseph Nowakowski of Easthampton. She graduated from Easthampton schools and went on to Bay Path Junior College to pursue a secretarial career. On November 5, 1949 she married the love of her life, Conrad Peterson. They bought their first home in Easthampton MA where they soon started a family. When their family was grown, they moved to Shelburne MA. She started her employment at Smith and Wesson in Springfield, and later went on to work for the Easthampton school system. Tess, as she was known to her family and friends, started as secretary to the principal at Maple Street School, then became Executive Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools, until her retirement in 1991-after 29 years in the Easthampton schools. During her retirement, she was able to spend more time with her family and enjoyed travelling with her husband across the United States, including attending his WW II reunions. They also enjoyed a trip to Hawaii for their 25^th wedding anniversary, and later she took a trip with her sister, Felicia, to Paris. Tess loved to entertain and was known to family and friends as an excellent cook. She shared her talent by making many wonderful meals for her family on holidays and special events; everything was always homemade. Tess was also a very talented and artistic woman who painted, quilted, made braided rugs and loved to sew. She loved sharing her talents with family. Tess also enjoyed gardening and at one time had multiple flower gardens to occupy her time. Tess’ first love was her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Tess was a devoted Catholic, and a longtime communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenfield and Immaculate Conception Church in Easthampton, now Our Lady of the Valley Parish. In retirement, she volunteered in the rectory doing various clerical duties. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Conrad J. Peterson, on September 2, 2010. Tess is survived by her children: Janice Peterson (Philip Day) of Hadley, Robert Peterson (Diana) of Vermont and Florida, and John Peterson (Maryanne) of Wilbraham; five grandchildren: Kimberly Herlihy (Kevin), Amy Gibson (Jeremy), Jeremy Peterson, Michael Peterson(Jenn), and Julie Peterson; five great grandchildren: Margaret, Ryan, Lauren, Nicholas and Zoey. She also leaves a sister, Felicia Leveille of Hadley, and a brother Robert Nowakowski of West Springfield. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial for Tess on Thursday, July 29^th at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Church, 33 Adams Street, Easthampton. Burial will follow at Saint Stanislaus Cemetery, Easthampton. There are no calling hours. Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home in Holyoke is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Arbors Assisted Living of Amherst staff fund, 130 University Drive, Amherst MA 01002 or to Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01002.