Mary E. Peterson

Mary E. Peterson, 84, of Jamestown, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at UPMC Chautauqua. She was born in Jamestown on August 11, 1941, to the late Alton and Anna Hedin Erickson. Mary's caring soul will be cherished by the far-reaching community for her service and volunteer counseling she provided to those in need over her decades.
Mary was a graduate of Bemus Point Central School class of 1959. Following high school graduation, Mary achieved her associate's degree from University at Buffalo. Throughout her years, she received her bachelor's degree at Empire State College and, later, her master's degree at St. Bonaventure University.
Mary's counseling work with Chautauqua County Mental Health impacted countless lives while she remained a partner in Peterson Farm, specializing in the greenhouse and keeping the business in order as bookkeeper. Mary attended school for floral arranging, enjoying the art and beauty in each piece she created.
A lover of birds, Mary took delight in experiencing their allure, both in sight and sound. She especially took to songbirds.
Along with her husband, Allen, Mary adored traveling, exploring the U.S.A. by train and bus; further, they vacationed in Hawaii and the Panama Canal. Their trips were often accompanied by close friends. They were also often found at gatherings and playing cards with other couples.
Mary remained a proud wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Allen Peterson, whom she married October 14, 1961; her daughter, Kimberly Bentley of Jamestown; her son, Kris (Amy) Peterson of Chesapeake, VA; her grandchildren, Erik (Kristen) Bentley, Kaitlyn (Charles) Bentley, and Annika Peterson; her great-grandchild, Sawyer Whalen; her sisters, Sally Brown and Linda Erickson; her sisters-in-law, Marilyn Erickson and Alexandra Coy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her brothers, Philip Erickson and James Erickson; her sister, Martha Erickson; her brother-in-law, Fred Brown; and her son-in-law, David Bentley.
Mary's family extends their deep gratitude to Linda Erickson and Holly Anderson, her loving caregivers who helped her stay active and comfortable.
Additional thanks to the staff on 5D, including Dr. Bhowmik, at UPMC Chautauqua for their unwavering devotion; and Dr. LaMancuso's benevolence will be remembered always.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 4-7pm Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Lind Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 1:00pm Monday, September 15, 2025, at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Bemus Point, NY. Pastor Timothy Hoyer will officiate.
Flowers are encouraged as they brought Mary joy throughout her life. Memorials may be made to the Fluvanna Fire Department, 3536 Fluvanna Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701, or to Roger Tory Peterson Institute, 311 Curtis Street Extension, Jamestown, NY 14701.