Obituary : Catherine M. Peters
Catherine M. (Whelan) Peters, 90, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 13.
Born in Marlborough, she was the daughter of the late Augustine and Rose (Monahan) Whelan and spent her life living between Marlborough and Oak Bluffs.
A graduate of Marlborough High School and The Boston Business School, she was always involved in the operation of the family businesses: Moseley's on the Charles in Dedham, Lake Chauncey Park in Westborough, and The Old Variety Store in Oak Bluffs, which, with her daughter Jane, she continued to operate until being stricken while preparing to open the store for the summer season. The store has been in continuous operation by her family for more than 100 years.
Although being employed as a dietitian locally for several years at Westborough State Hospital and the former Cushing Hospital, she operated the family store on the Vineyard for more than 60 years.
She was a true Islander and spent hours conversing about Island and world affairs with the celebrities, locals, and visitors who returned for several generations to her store, year after year. The Flying Horses, which sits next to her store, drew children and adults alike to her store, as they came to ride and observe the historical site. It is fitting that her life ended doing what she loved best: preparing to open the store with her daughter Jane.
During WWII she worked as a clerk at Fort Devens and was a life-long member of the Immaculate Conception Parish, the former Newman Club, and Rosary Sodality of the parish. She was a past president of the Marlborough Historical Society, and a Girl Scout leader of troupe 426 Marlborough.
She is survived by her daughter, Jane R. Peters of Marlborough and Oak Bluffs; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.
She was predeceased by a brother, Charles V. Whelan.
Her funeral was held Monday, May 18, in the Immaculate Conception Church in Marlborough. Burial followed in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donation may be made to The Parkinson's Disease Association of Mass., 7 East Concord St. C3, Boston, MA 02118; or The Alzheimer's Foundation, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472.
