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Judith Claire Aldrich Peterson, 86, of Ashville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Roswell Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY surrounded by family. She was born April 3, 1940, in Jamestown, NY, the daughter of the late Charles and Claire Weatherby Aldrich.
Judie was a proud 1958 graduate of Chautauqua Central School. She went on to pursue higher education, attending both Hiram College and SUNY Oneonta. In 1960, she married the love of her life, Lewis "Pete" Peterson, with whom she shared a beautiful life filled with family, hard work, and shared adventures. In 1976, she and her husband, Pete, bought Camp Prendergast, near Chautauqua, which they owned and operated for 32 years.
Known for her kind heart and generous spirit, Judie was a faithful member of the Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church, where her father served as pastor from 1955-1962, and she was also actively involved with the Methodist House at the Chautauqua Institution, contributing her time and leadership to the organizations she cared about most. She was also a dedicated member of Home Bureau ("Brew"), a wonderful community of loving, life-long friends.
Judie was a woman of many talents and passions. She loved spending time outdoors golfing, gardening, and mowing her lawn. An avid baker and talented seamstress, she was proud to have handmade several beautiful wedding dresses, her own as well as for several members of her family over the years. Above all, Judie cherished the time she spent with her family, who were the true joy of her life.
Judie is survived by her brother, Kenneth (Suzanne) Aldrich of Mayville, NY, her sister, Eleanor (Michael) Farmer of Bridport, England, her three children, William (Christine) Peterson of Mayville, NY, Margaret Dietly of Chautauqua, NY, and Julie (Jeff) Drake of Cape Cod, MA, five grandchildren, Adam (Madie Pearson) Peterson, Megan Dietly, Christian (Rachel Folz) Herwig, Andrew (Caitlin) Herwig, and Karli (Ryan Donnelly) Herwig, 6 great grandchildren, Thea, Celia, Isabel, Max, Alden, and Finley, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis L. "Pete" Peterson in 2019.
A memorial service will be held at 2PM on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Hurlbut Memorial Community UMC (21 Scott Ave, Chautauqua, NY). The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church (1PM - 2PM). The Rev Rachel Stuart will officiate. A private burial will be held at the Chautauqua Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the Hurlbut Memorial Community UMC, or to Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY.
To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com.