Sarah Dillingham Peterson

Sarah passed away on January 26, 2018 at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Sarah had a wonderful sense of humor, loved writing and entertainment. She touched many people with her natural warm-hearted smile and a deep sense of generosity. She was proud of her connection as the 14th generation descendant of William Bradford, Mayflower passenger and longtime governor of the Plymouth Colony. Her middle name was a connection to her 14th grandfather, Edward Dilllingham, who founded Sandwich, the first town on Cape Cod in 1637. Also, she took delight in that her first paid job was with the Board of Elections since her ancestor Hannah Chatfield was arrested and indicted for voting as a woman with her neighbor Susan B. Anthony in the 1872 election. She enjoyed the political campaigns, would go to the candidate speeches and confirmed her selections relying on her Christian beliefs having been raised at the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Cary.

Sarah was active with the Girls Scouts, achieved the Gold Award, enjoyed the Children of the American Revolution, was in the Joel Lane Chapter and more recently, was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, in the Yates Mill Chapter.

Sarah graduated from Green Hope H.S. and attended Wake Tech University where she earned an Associate’s Degree. She was admitted to all five transfer universities before her health began to fail.

She is survived by her parents, Grant and Brenda Peterson; her sister, Hannah Peterson of Alexandria VA; her grandparents, Richard and Rosemary Staley of Solomons, MD; and a large extended family and friends.

The family will receive visitors Friday, February 2nd from 6:00-9:00 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home on the corner of Maynard Road and Kildaire Farm Road in Cary. Saturday, February 3rd there will be a visitation time from 9:00-11:00AM at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 100 W. Lochmere Dr., Cary. The Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM.

Sarah wanted to give back to UNC Hospital and heart patients when better. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made “in memory of Sarah Dillingham Peterson” and can be mailed to UNC Children’s, P.O. Box 1050 Chapel Hill, NC 27514-1050. Please note “Pediatric Cardiology Fund” in the memo line or give online at www.uncchildrens.org/gift and search and select “Pediatric Cardiology Research & Development Fund”.