Kathleen Grace Peterson

On Sunday October 29, 2023, beloved mother, sister, daughter, aunt and grandmother, Kathleen Grace Peterson, passed away unexpectedly of heart attack at her home. She was 64 years old and preparing for retirement. Kathy was known countywide as an advocate and social justice activist in Chautauqua County for nearly forty years.

Most notable, those who knew her as kind, supportive, and giving of her time and resources. She devoted her life to helping others. Kathleen began her career at the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry over three decades ago initially as a VISTA Volunteer advocating for the disenfranchised, and serving in many capacities before she became the Agency’s director. Kathleen loved life.

She embraced new experiences and troubled times with her irreverent sense of humor, and was often the one who made us laugh at ourselves. Kathy loved social activities and was an avid volunteer and member of many local clubs and service organizations. Kathy attended the University of Tennessee, and was a confirmed Episcopalian.

Kathleen is survived in life by her children Meghan Dorman, Robert Dorman and Nicholas Peterson, step-mother to Destiny Peterson, and grandmother to Jordan Grizwell. She is the daughter of Clarence W. Howser and the late Bertha Grace Howser (Kline) and is the sister of Sherry A H Lantz, Douglas W. Howser (Deborah), and John David Howser (Marcia). And will be sadly missed by her companion Craig Wozniak.

A viewing and memorial service will be held at the Fantauzzi Funeral Home, Central Avenue, Fredonia, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023 for friends and family, and a brief service officiated by the Reverend Donald Howard will follow. A celebration of life will be held immediately following at the Event Center, Lakeshore Avenue West in Dunkirk.

A GoFundMe page is available for those who would like to contribute.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Michael R. Fantauzzi, Owner and Director of the FANTAUZZI FUNERAL HOME, 82 East Main Street, Fredonia, NY