Elaine M. Peterson

Elaine Lavinia Moore Peterson passed away on February 11, 2015 after a long illness. Her family prays that she is well and whole again in the presence of God. She was able to remain at home through the majority of her last years due to the loving, patient care of her granddaughter, Amanda. Elaine was born on April 10, 1930; the only child of Thomas and Lillian Nock Moore. She was raised in the small, close-knit community of Spence, near Public Landing. Her childhood days were happy; filled with love and adventure on the family farm. Elaine attended elementary and high school in Snow Hill, Maryland, graduating in 1947 with a concentration in business. After high school, she worked as a bookkeeper for Suburban Propane in Fruitland, Maryland. Elaine met her future husband Calvin in Delco, North Carolina while visiting her cousin. They were fortunate to experience the rare and beautiful “love at first sight”. They married in 1953 and thus began their journey together. The family was completed with the birth of two daughters. Their marriage lasted for 56 years until Calvin’s death on February 10, 2010. All that we are and all that we will become is due directly to the encouragement, efforts, and teachings of our loving, supportive parents. Their values and expectations are firmly planted and motivate us to guide our actions and live our lives in ways that would make them proud. Elaine loved her family completely; inspiring without judging, advising without dictating. Elaine enjoyed the company of young people. She always welcomed school and neighborhood friends to our home, “the more the merrier”. She organized and led a Junior Choir at Christ United Methodist Church and established a youth volunteer organization for enriching the lives of those with disabilities. She worked tirelessly along with other community members to promote the building of a residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. In 1974, her efforts were rewarded with the opening of the Holly Center. For many years she worked with the Holly Community, an organization devoted to enhancing the lives of the residents of Holly Center. One of her favorite activities was Christmas shopping for all of the residents. This was a massive undertaking, but one that brought much joy. To this day, one employee, recognized for dedication above and beyond, is chosen to receive the Elaine M. Peterson Award. Later in life, Elaine dedicated her time and energy to grandchildren. She proudly celebrated all their accomplishments and was steadfastly loving and supportive. Elaine is survived by two daughters, Lisa Abresch (Larry), Lynn Morgan (David), Jim Wilson whom she loved as her own son, seven grandchildren; Daniel Morgan, Amanda Posey (Curtis), Katie Morgan, Lauren Abresch, Cameron Abresch, Daniel Abresch (Katie), Joseph Abresch (Michelle); five great-grandchildren, Ethan Morgan, Jackson Posey, McKenzie Abresch, Hayden Abresch, and Mia Abresch. Elaine leaves an enduring legacy. She taught us to respect everyone, show compassion to those less fortunate than ourselves, to study and learn from history, to love nature, to appreciate the arts, and to aspire to be the best that we can be, without ever forgetting our roots. To our Mom, we say thank you, for instilling in us a love for all people and animals, an appreciation of the world’s beauty, and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. These expectations will be passed to future generations. In the midst of everyday activities or during wonderful family trips, she would often say, “Children, we are making memories”. We are so thankful because that is what we will cling to for some degree of comfort during this time of terrible sadness. To watch a gradual slipping away is painful, but a lifetime of sweet memories will serve to sustain us. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Bounds Funeral Home, 705 East Main Street, Salisbury, MD 21804. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Rev. Thomas Hurley will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 211 Phillip Morris Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804, Holly Community, 909 Progress Circle, Salisbury, MD 21804 or Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.boundsfuneralhome.com.