Dorothy “Dottie” Dickerson Peters, always a kind, giving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, friend and teacher, died July 26, 2014, at the age of 70. She left us with her legacy of love, tolerance and fun.
Born and raised in Mattituck in Long Island, N.Y., Mrs. Peters moved frequently in the early years with her husband throughout New Jersey, New York and New England before settling in to raise her family primarily in the Finger Lakes Region town of Cortland, N.Y., where she maintained many friends and fans.
Mrs. Peters retired with her husband to the beauty and peace of the Winding River golf and beach community in Bolivia where she enjoyed the camaraderie that came through golfing with friends, finding new shops and hidden treasures of the south, spending time with new and old friends and sharing the wonder of life with her husband.
Growing up on the tip of the North Fork of Long Island, N.Y. to parents who had a love of the beach and boating, Mrs. Peters was never land-locked for long. Whether seeking out time on her native Long Island shores, planning trips to Florida and other beaches with her family, visiting with friends in the Finger Lakes or later, encouraging her husband and daughter to plan Caribbean and European holidays, her enthusiasm for sun, sand and water, sometimes accompanied by a nice chardonnay, was infectious and undeniable.
Outgoing by nature, Mrs. Peters enhanced her social graces and developed lifelong friendships as a member of the Alpha Sigma Beta sorority while earning her bachelor’s degree in education at the State University of New York at Oneonta. A natural educator, she was a professional teacher of both elementary children and struggling college students, having also earned her master’s degree and certification as a reading specialist at the State University of New York at Cortland.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Lee Peters, Sr.; son, Lee Peters II (Shannon Dintino); daughter, Jill Peters (Ted Russell); and three grandchildren, Gavin Peters, Bryson Russell and Avery Russell.
As is her wish, calling hours will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, at Defriest-Grattan Funeral Home, 13805 Main Road (Rt. 25) in Long Island, N.Y. followed by funeral services beginning at 2 p.m. and a graveside ceremony at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice or the cancer charity of your preference.
Please share memories and condolences with the family online at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
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