VINALHAVEN — Phyllis Peterson died peacefully at Gosnell hospice in Scarborough Oct. 5, 2013, after a brief illness.

Predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Herbert Peterson, she leaves behind her beloved dog, Molly,;her son, Alan Peterson and his wife, Resa, of Saco; her daughter, Terri Peterson-George and her husband, Neil George, of Downingtown Pa.; her granddaughter, Ashley Peterson of Livingston, Mont.; her grandsons, Austin and Cameron George of Downingtown; and her brother-in-law, Frank Peterson of Savannah Ga. She is predeceased by her sister, Geraldine Hanley; and her brother, Floyd Robertson Jr. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and her forever friend, Marion Woodcock, whom she knew from age 3.

Born in Vinalhaven Nov/ 15, 1931, she was the daughter of Floyd and Stella (Boulier) Robertson. She graduated from Vinalhaven High School in 1950. Shortly thereafter she married Herb and was a housewife and mother for many decades. She worked for several years at The Paper Store on Vinalhaven before retiring to resume her passions for gardening, cooking and caring for their home.

Phyllis was known for her beautiful gardens, including her renowned apple tree and for creating some of the best food around — whether it was baked goods or amazing meals. She had a wonderful sense of humor, could beat anyone at Scrabble or Cribbage, and was an avid reader and bird watcher. Her family was the most important thing to her and she was most happy when she was spending time with them.

A memorial service will be planned on Vinalhaven next summer. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Phyllis's memory to The Vinalhaven Public Library, 6 Carver St., Vinalhaven, ME 04863, or to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, c/o Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with Phyllis family, visit her Book of Memories online at the funeral home.