Marguerite (Cote') Peters

Marguerite Yvonne (Cote') Peters passed away peacefully at Williamstown Commons, surrounded by her loving children, on Friday, September 12, 2014. Born in North Adams on April 19, 1936, she was the first born child of Clarence and Edna (St.Cyr) Cote'; she was 78 Years of age. Raised in North Adams, Marguerite attended Notre Dame elementary school and graduated from St. Joseph's High School. After high school, she worked for a time as a telephone operator at New England Telephone Co. She met her future husband in 1955 through a mutual friend of his sister. Marguerite married Harold F. Peters, Jr. in July of 1957. They honeymooned in Boston, MA, riding the Swan Boats and eating at the Oyster House Restaurant. Marguerite and Harold had five children together, all of whom survive her today: Maureen Elizabeth Goodreau (Roger) of Cheshire, Diane Marie LaValley (Norman), Daniel Francis Peters (Cathy), James Michael Peters and Kathleen Ann Cardinal, all of North Adams. Marguerite and Harold divorced in 1969, and he predeceased her in April 2014. They remained friendly throughout the years and even took their five children to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, where the entire family became lost in the Boston subway system-a favorite family story for many years. Marguerite primarily remained at home during her children's younger years. The family lived in a flat at 62 North Holden St. in North Adams, and later at 16 Walker St. in North Adams. When the children were older she worked at Gagliardi's Appliance store on Union St., later on at Headstart, and then the swing shift at the James River Paper Mill in Adams. Her last employment was at the Family Life Support Center at the Louison House in Adams as a life skills counselor, where she worked the 3-11 shift. Marguerite retired from the Louison House in 2002. During her children's formative years Marguerite was very involved in their scholastic endeavors. She assisted with the Girl Scouts at St. Francis Church Rectory, where her youngest child, Katy, then two years old in 1969, pulled the fire alarm at the rectory, which sent every fire truck in the vicinity to St. Francis Church, St. Joseph's School and the rectory. She was also a Drury Band Mom, Drury Chorus Mom (bringing hot chocolate to the Drury High Girl's Ensemble during their endeavor to break the World's record for continuous singing in 1975), a Little League Mom, and a Theater Mom when her two oldest daughters decided it would be cool to do summer theater. "Mom Peters" was also a mother to every single friend her children brought into her home at any hour of the day…or night. Or overnight. Marguerite was the proud and loving grandmother of 12 grandchildren: Nicholas J. Peters of Manchester, VT, Benjamin P. Wood of Pittsfield, Amelia C. Wood of San Francisco, CA, Patrick J. Wood of Adams, Abigail M. Wood of Pittsfield, John K. Wood of North Adams & Cheshire, Erin Lawson of Adams, Nicole Palma of North Adams, Kyle Peters of North Adams, Hayden Cantoni of Dalton, Danielle Cardinal of North Adams, and Ryan LeBeau of South Carolina. She is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren: Madeline E. Wood, Benjamin P. Wood, Jr., Tanner Palma, Lador Lawson and Carrick S. Wood. Marguerite also leaves her two siblings, Raymond Cote' of Schenectady, NY and Judith Steward of North Adams, as well as many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by her "4th daughter", Lisa (Dickinson) Arthur of Williamstown. Marguerite's greatest joy was the love of her family and watching the grandchildren grow. She was an accomplished seamstress (making all of her daughter's high school dance dresses), an expert knitter, and a voracious reader. Our mother's health has hung precariously close to the edge for many years, but through it all Mom maintained her wit, sense of humor, and positive outlook. We are all relieved that she is now free of pain. We will forever miss her love, guidance, spunk, attitude, and fortitude. We'll love you forever Mom; thanks for being you and for being our mother. Well done Mom, well done. Marguerite's funeral will be held on Thursday, September 18th, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, North Adams, celebrated by Rev. William F. Cyr, Pastor. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be held at a later date, at the convenience of her family. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to Louison House, 395 Old Columbia St. Adams, MA 01220. The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com

Marguerite (Cote') Peters

April 19, 1936 - September 12, 2014