Carolyn J. Peterson

Carolyn J. Peterson died at her daughter’s home in State College, PA on November 13, 2022. She was 93. She was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1929 to her loving parents Ledah and Loring Freed. She grew up in Toledo and graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1947. Following high school, she attended Miami University in Ohio and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Elementary Education, going on to earn a Masters in Education from the University of Toledo in 1957. Carolyn married her beloved husband, Walter, on her 27th birthday in 1956 and shared 56 years of marriage with him in Toledo until his death at 91 in 2012.

Throughout her life, Carolyn had many interests--playing the violin throughout high school and college, participating in the Mortar Board Society at Miami University, gardening, and spending over twenty years as a leader with the Toledo area Bible Study Fellowship group. Before having children Carolyn taught both second and fourth grade at two different elementary schools.

Nothing compares, however, to the loving care that Carolyn showed her family over many decades. She devoted herself first to raising her children, then to retirement and traveling with Walt and visiting their children and grandchildren regularly, and then to caring for Walt so diligently in his final illness.

Carolyn was a lifelong member of Collingwood Presbyterian Church in Toledo, and later also had an association with Washington Church for many years.

She is survived by her three loving children, Jane Jennings (Jerry) of Narberth, PA; William Peterson (Rebecca) of Tallahassee, FL; and Amy Rothrock (Ling) of State College, PA. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Isaac and Samuel Jennings, and Lindsey, Margaret, Christian (Ashley) and John Rothrock; brother Charles Freed (Jackie) of Lakeland, FL. and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Barbara Bell and niece Carole Lewandowski.

The family would like to express their gratitude to UPMC Hospice for all their care, concern and help during these last difficult months.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Friday, November 18, 2022, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH 43623, where a Funeral Service will begin at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Collingwood Presbyterian Church in Toledo, OH or to UPMC Hospice Care at Family Hospice, Altoona, PA.