Shirley Louise (Cox) Peterson of Wesley Chapel, Florida, formerly of Montclair, died peacefully on Aug. 14, 2022. She was 95.
Mrs. Peterson was born in 1926 in Montclair to Theodore and Muriel Cox. She grew up surrounded by the family nursery business, where she developed her passion for gardening, birds and nature.
She graduated from St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, with a degree in sociology in 1948. She earned her master’s from Adelphi University in 1979.
Mrs. Peterson lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands for many years and dedicated herself to assisting the islands’ social services in St. Croix.
She loved her family and devoted herself to helping others. She will be sadly missed and always have a place in our hearts.
Mrs. Peterson is survived by sons Michael Knapp (Bonnie) and Robert Peterson (Elaine); a third son, David’s, widow, Debra Peterson; seven grandchildren; two nieces, Wendy Cox and Stacey Cox Slowinski, and a nephew, Theodore Frederick Cox Jr.
She was predeceased by her son, David; her brother, Theodore Frederick Cox, and his wife, Shirley Williamson Cox.
At her request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.
Arrangements were by Coastal Cremation and Funeral Care, Lutz, Florida.