Obituary of Patricia A. Peterson

Patricia Ann (Weaver Cox) Peterson, 83, died on Monday, June 26, 2023.

Patricia was born on October 4, 1939 in Montclair, NJ.  Her mother, Catherine Keane,  was an immigrant nurse from County Roscommon, Ireland, and her father, John Weaver, an Irish American carpenter.  True to her roots, she loved her family, entertaining friends and caring for others in need.

Upon graduation from Butler High School in 1957 as Valedictorian and editor of the school newspaper, Patricia followed her calling and embarked on an extraordinary career in healthcare following her graduation from Muhlenberg School of Nursing in 1960. She would later earn her bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University,  

In the early years of her career, and while raising her young family, Patricia worked as a surgical nurse and supervisor, always demonstrating her brilliance and leadership potential.  In 1976, she joined St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic, NJ where she grew her career as a nurse executive, later becoming the Chief Operating Officer and, in 1994 the President and Chief Executive Officer until her retirement in 2008.  Her time at St. Mary’s brought her incredible joy, lifelong friendships and an extended family that she, and her children, have always treasured.

In 1979, Patricia met the love of her life, Ross S. Peterson and they were married in 1981.  They settled in Maplewood, NJ where they built a beautiful life together, raised her four children, and enjoyed many happy times until his death in 1995.

Patricia was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was an extraordinary hostess (as many will remember from her annual Christmas Eve parties).  She cherished her Catholic faith, loved reading and travel, playing bridge with her friends, cable news and Law and Order.  She was the recipient of many career honors, including an Honorary Doctorate from the College of Saint Elizabeth’s, sat on many non-profit boards, and remained engaged in the healthcare community until her passing.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine and John Weaver, her beloved sisters, Catherine Veronica Grossi and the Honorable Carol Weaver McCracken.  She is survived by her children, Sean, Tracy, Tara and Brian, and her cherished grandchildren, Rowan, Allyson, Beckett, Liam and Alexis.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 217 Prospect Street, South Orange, NJ on Thursday, June 29, at 10:00 am.  Visitation will be held at the Preston Funeral Home, 153 South Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ on Wednesday, June 28 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  For more information or to send condolences please visit prestonfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Patricia’s memory to: the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation JDRF via Make a Donation - JDRF or the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, Development Office, 590 North 7^th St. Newark, NJ 07107 in memory of Patricia Peterson. http://www.ccannj.com/donat_online.php To give by phone please call 973-639-6531