Dorothy M. Johnson Peterson

She was born November 8, 1925 in Salamanca, NY, the daughter of Raymond and Helen Andrews Durphy.

Dorothy was a 1943 graduate of Falconer Central School and a 1946 graduate of WCA School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse.

She married Willard D. Johnson in 1945, who preceded her in death in 1976. She was preceded in 2020 by her younger brother, Richard (Carolyn) Durphy and lovingly acted as his second mother early in life.

Dorothy married Leland C. Peterson in 1977. Together, they joyfully traveled all over America in their motorhome. Leland preceded her in death in 1998.

She was employed by Dr. Hugo Szabo and Dr. John LaMancuso for many years until her retirement. After retirement she was employed as a part-time nurse for Heritage Village in Gerry.

She was a long time member of the Falconer Baptist Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher, choir member, church treasure as well as serving in other church ministries. Upon marrying Lee Peterson, she became a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where she also served as church treasurer and participated in the choir, couples’ group, and other church ministries.

When she lived in Florida she became a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Sun City Center, FL where she participated in the vocal and Bell Choirs, and sewing ministry where they knitted and made prayer shawls and quilts that were given to people in need. Many of the quilts were donated to the Florida State Police home for boys.

Dorothy was an active member of the Thule Lodge and was past Chairman. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed doing puzzles and Sudoku. She was a dedicated sports fan and especially loved the NY Mets and Buffalo Bills. She loved and enjoyed time with her family and friends.

Surviving are two daughters Sharon (Rell) Johnson of Jamestown, Sandra Harris of Lakewood; seven grandchildren: Scott Johnson, Leigh Juul, Aaron Johnson, Jennifer Runge, Michelle Davis, Bethany Rice, Kimberly Buvoltz; four step children: Gary (Myra) Peterson, Cheryl (Larry) Nutt, Jeanne (Tony) Conti, JoAnn Spetz; 18 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Willard Johnson whom she married June 28, 1945, who died June 29, 1976; her second husband Leland C. Peterson whom she married November 26, 1977, who died August 9, 1998; a brother Richard Durphy in 2020 and son-in-law Richard Harris in 2002.

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. (noon) on Thursday in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Rev. Timothy J. Hoyer will officiate.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service Thursday in the church.

Memorial contributions may be donated to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 20 North Phetteplace St., Falconer, NY 14733 or to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.

Visit our website at www.falconer funeral home.net to send a message of condolence.