Beulah Ina Peterson

Beulah Ina (Ross) Peterson, age 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the Covenant Living in Keene, New Hampshire. Born in Medford, Massachusetts on September 2, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Lillian (Whitman) Ross. Beulah was raised in Somerville, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Somerville High School with the Class of 1947. Following her graduation, Beulah took a position with Employers Insurance Company in Boston, working as a bookkeeper.

Beulah married her beloved husband, Robert Carl Peterson, on May 22, 1954, in her hometown of Somerville. The young couple initially made their home in Medford and later Belmont, where they welcomed their first child, Linda. As a new Mom, Beulah transitioned to the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her family. In 1957, Beulah and Bob settled into their home in Peabody, where they welcomed their second daughter, Carolyn. After settling into their new house, Beulah found her spiritual home at the West Congregational Church in town, becoming a member of the Joy Club and helping out whenever she was needed.

Beulah remained at home with her two daughters for a few years before venturing back in the working world, taking some part-time jobs with various companies, including Breck's Florist and a local nursing home. She went on to work with Kelly's Girls, a temp agency that placed support staff with other companies. Most notably, Beulah filled a position at General Electric for a short time. After her girls became older, Beulah took a full-time position with Deerskin Trading Post in Peabody. Her first job with Deerskin was in the packaging department but she later moved up into the office, working as a bookkeeper until her retirement in 1998. Shortly after her retirement, Beulah moved to East Walpole, Massachusetts, making her home with her daughter Linda and her family.

With her new home in Walpole, Beulah set out to find a local church, making her new spiritual home at The First Congregational Church in Norwood, attending services with Linda. She also became very active in her new community, joining the Walpole Women's Club and the Walpole Senior Center. Through the Senior Center, Beulah met many new friends, looking forward to walks around Bird Park in East Walpole during the nice weather and circling the Walpole Mall as the winter set in. Arguably the more important part of the walking ritual centered around the coffee and comradery at the local McDonald's. In addition to social clubs, Beulah regularly gave back to her community, volunteering her time with the Walpole Food Pantry. In recent years, Beulah began splitting her time between East Walpole and Surry, New Hampshire, spending time with her daughters and grandchildren.

Beulah shared a special relationship with her cousin, also named Beulah, who also married a Bob. The Beulahs and the Bobs loved to travel together, visiting Crescent Beach in Florida every year. They also looked forward to trips around New England, visiting the White Mountains of New Hampshire and a trip to Canada for a family reunion. Beulah's travels spilled over to include her daughters and grandchildren, taking trips to Europe, visiting destinations in Ireland and France. Of course no trip was ever complete without a shopping extravaganza, with Beulah on the lookout for the latest fashion. Back at home, Beulah maintained a pristine house, both inside and out. After settling in East Walpole, she brought a touch of color to the yard, planting flowers around the house. She had a green thumb and expertly crafted a flower garden in her backyard.

Beloved wife of the late Robert Carl Peterson.

Loving mother of Linda P. Collins and her husband Jay of Surry, New Hampshire and Carolyn A. Andrew and her husband Keith of Manchester, New Hampshire.

Cherished grandmother of Kelly Reeves and her husband Joseph, James Collins and his wife Jenna Flattery, Steven Collins and his wife Joanna, Brian Collins and his wife Danielle, Maja Knapp, and Nicole Knapp; and great grandmother of Lillian Reeves and Thomas Reeves.

Sister of Eileen Collins of Woburn, John Ross of Methuen, the late Thomas Ross, and the late James Ross.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Beulah's Life Celebration on Thursday, August 7th, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Funeral Service will be held at The First Congregational Church, 100 Winter Street, Norwood on Friday, August 8th, 2025, at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Puritan Lawn Cemetery in Peabody.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Beulah's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460, or by visiting https://www.alz.org/manh