Gale Lorraine (Johnson) Peterson

An area resident for most of her life, she was born September 17, 1928 in Jamestown, NY, the only child of the late Alden Johnson and the late Hazel (Lewis) Johnson Bullock. Six weeks after her birth, Gale’s family moved to Toronto, Ontario Canada where she lived and attended school until she was 8 years old. At that time, her parents divorced and she and her mother returned to Jamestown where she continued to be raised by her single mother.

She attended Jamestown schools, skipped a grade, and proudly graduated as the youngest member of the Jamestown High School class of 1945, at the age of 16.

Always artistic by nature, Gale was recruited to work for the former Union National Furniture Company where she specialized in painting Japanese figures on some of their finest furniture which was extremely popular at the time. Her working career continued when she moved on to a position with the former Jamestown Telephone Company where she made many friendships which lasted throughout her life. It was during those years that she met the man who would become her husband, J. Raymond Peterson, also of Jamestown. The two shared a love for roller skating and spent many hours at the Celoron and Midway Park Roller Rinks. They were married for 62 years and were blessed with the birth of three children, Mark, Jeffrey and Mary Beth.

Gale left the workforce to raise her family but returned years later to work in the retail field, first for the former Bigelow’s Department Store, where she was manager of the yarn department, and then lastly for Brostrom’s Womens Apparel, both in downtown Jamestown. She also served as an Election Inspector at some of Jamestown’s polling locations.

Gale was well known as an exceptional knitter. Her lifelong passion for knitting began when she knit her first sweater the age of 8, which she proudly wore to school. She continued knitting well into her 90’s. Gale was well known throughout Chautauqua County as she taught adult knitting classes at Jamestown High School and Jamestown Community College, as well as many small knitting groups in the area. Over the years she had knit more sweaters, Christmas stockings, hats, mittens, ornaments and many other items than anyone could possibly imagine (hundreds for certain and maybe thousands). Among her proudest creations were warm hats for U.S. Service members stationed at cold locations and an ornament for the U.S. White House Christmas tree. Her talent for knitting was unprecedented and suffice it to say, when she wasn’t sleeping, she always had knitting or crochet needles in her hand.

Gale’s greatest love was her family which meant everything to her. She very closely followed the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in their academic, athletic, musical, scouting and other interests. It seems as though she never missed a game, concert, or recital. Christmas, Thanksgiving, and birthdays were her favorite times for family gatherings.

She was a member of the First Covenant Church where she enjoyed participating in several women’s circles. She was also a member of the American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation where she displayed her knitted goods at the Scandinavian Culture Days held at Jamestown Community College, the Waterways Knitting Guild and the Norden Women’s Club.

Surviving are a son, Mark T. (Jane) Peterson of Fredericksburg, VA, a daughter, Mary Beth (Chip) Johnson of Jamestown, NY, a daughter in law Tammy Peterson of Jamestown, Seven grandchildren, Raechel L. Waid of Lakewood, NY, Thomas L. (Kari) Peterson of Dunnellon, FL, Alexander J. (fiance Meghan Arnold) Peterson of Jamestown, NY, Dr. Blake A. (Dr. Alexe) Peterson of Buffalo, NY, Krista L. Freund of Pittsburgh, PA, Katie L. (Billy) Miley, Kelsey L. Tobias, both of Jamestown, NY, and seven great grandchildren, Rylie L. and Bryce R. Freund, Max J., Kenzie R. and Andi J. Miley and Easton A. and Teagan M. Tobias.

She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Raymond Peterson, whom she married June 10, 1950, and who died April 18, 2013 and her son, Jeffrey Lynn Peterson who died June 5, 2016.

The funeral will be held at 2 pm Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Adam Rohler will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 6-8 pm Tuesday in the funeral home.

The Peterson family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and praise to the staff at The Star Hospice House for their love and care that was given to Gale during her final days.

The family suggests that memorials be made to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 West Fairmount Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750.

You may leave words of condolence to Gale’s family at www.lindfuneralhome.com.