Obituary of Bernice Peters

Schenectady - Bernice Loretta Peters, age 96, a devoted wife, mother, and loving grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on July 8, 2014 at the Glendale Home in Glenville. She was born in Schenectady, NY on March 22,1918, to the late George W. Berry Galusha and Annabel Vandeberg of Oneonta, NY. Her early years were spent on a farm in Elk Creek, NY and in the small town of Franklin, NY before moving back to Schenectady. Bernice loved her high school years at Schenectady Vocational High School and served as vice president of her class. She played on the girl's basketball team and was a varsity cheerleader. She also stayed active in swimming, running, bicycling and ice skating. Bernie was very proud of being a Girl Scout and a member of the Schenectady YWCA and YMCA. She was a classically trained pianist. Upon graduating in 1936, Bernice worked for the Blodgett Law Office and then secured a job at General Electric as a private secretary in the engineering department. In 1942, Bernice married the late Joseph A. Peters Jr., who served as Schenectady Police Chief. Together they raised five children during their 65-year marriage. Bernice always dreamed of becoming a teacher and used her skills to teach her children and grandchildren how to cook, knit, play the piano, and enjoy nature. She loved spending her summers with her family at their camp on East Caroga Lake. Bernice was a wonderful homemaker and an extraordinary baker. She was an avid golfer in the Schenectady Municipal Women's Golf League, an enthusiastic member of Home Bureau and enjoyed playing Bridge, Pinochle and other card games. She was an active volunteer at Christ Episcopal Church. Bernice was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph A. Peters Jr.; and her siblings, Beatrice Walker (Ted) of Lynchburg, VA, Walter Galusha of Utica, NY, Raymond Galusha (Ruth) of Rotterdam, NY, and Marion Peceri Depeaux (Louis & Don) of Clifton Park. She is survived by her sister, Eunice Royer (Ken) of Schenectady. Her children are Joseph A. Peters III (Charlene) of Schenectady, Susan E. Lawson of Virginia Beach, VA, C. Richard Peters (Kathryn) of Schenectady, Bruce G. Peters (Barbara) of Charlton, and Linda J. Turner (William) of Concord, NH. Bernice has 12 grandchildren, Joseph Feters IV, Eric Peters, Michelle Peters Kowal, Shannon Moe, Kirstin Healy, Susan Echecaria, Michael Peters, Marcy Raeder, Erin Armstrong, Brooke Mulkerron, Summer Turner and Matt Turner. Bernie has 21 great-grandchildren. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St. George's Episcopal Church, Schenectady, Friday, July 11, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. Calling hours will be Thursday, July 10, 2014, 4 to 7 p.m. at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady.