Dorothy J. Peterson, lighthouse lady

Dorothy “Dot” J. Peterson, 82, of Millsboro, formerly of Bellefonte, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 12, 2015, at her home.

She was born in Wilmington Oct. 15, 1932, daughter of the late Charles and Violet (Caudle) Phillips. Dot was a 1950 graduate of Conrad High School.

Mrs. Peterson retired from the DuPont Company in Wilmington in the wage and payroll department in 1990 after 29 years of service. After her retirement to Millsboro, she became known as the “lighthouse lady” for the lighthouse crafts that she would make and sell at various local craft shows.

Dot was a faithful member of Conley’s United Methodist Church, where she volunteered countless hours for the church’s soup kitchen, fundraisers and plays. She was also a Ladies Auxiliary member of the Brandywine Hundred Fire Company, and loved going to the beach and playing bingo. She will be forever remembered as a loving wife, mother, nana and sister.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Robert “Bob” T. Peterson; a son, Steve Peterson and his wife Joy of Dagsboro; two daughters, Lauren Long and her husband Jim of Mount Holly, N.C., and Betty Hostler and her husband Jim of Wilmington. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Diane, Jimmy, Morgan, Justin, Taylor and Nicholas; a great-granddaughter, Sara; and a sister, Joyce Phillips of Rehoboth Beach.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro. A visitation will also be held from 10 to 11 a.m., where the funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 16, in the chapel at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. Dupont Hwy., New Castle. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Dorothy’s name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.