- Date Of Birth: January 25, 1930
- Date Of Death: October 17, 2017
- State: Connecticut
Phyllis Ray (nee Smith) Peterson passed away on October 17, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, after bravely battling cancer for over ten years. Phyllis was the daughter of the late Amy Schroll Smith and Raymond Alfred Smith. Always proud of her New Jersey roots, she was born and raised in West Orange. Phyllis graduated West Orange High School in 1947 and Upsala College in 1951. She was a beautiful and accomplished student, having been elected Spring Queen of Upsala in 1950.
After graduating college, Phyllis married the love of her life, Ernest Frederick Peterson, with whom she went on to celebrate 66 years of wedded bliss. Ernie brought her to Portland, where they built their home, raised their family, and were valued members of the community. Phyllis had an impressive green thumb, and could often be found lovingly tending the beautiful gardens surrounding their home. She was a co-founder and past President of the Portland River Valley Garden Club and served on the Board of Directors of the Mattabeseck Audubon Society. She was also a member of the CT Horticulture Society and a Charter Member of the Portland Historical Society.
