Helen E. Peterson

WHITINSVILLE-Helen E. (Johnson) Peterson, 84, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 26, 2025 with her family at her side.

Her husband of 48 years, David J. Peterson died in 2011. She leaves her son, Scott D. Peterson of Northboro; a daughter, Pamela L. French of Whitinsville; two grand-daughters, Charlotte E. French and Allison L. French to whom she was affectionately known as Mömö; and a brother Robert Johnson of Leicester. She also leaves sisters-in-law Karen Gaskin of Jefferson and Dorothy Johnson of Auburn and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Suzanne Peterson, and her brother Kenneth Johnson.

She was born in Worcester, daughter of Clarence and Florence (Swenson) Johnson, grew up in the Swedish Quinsigamond Village section of the city, and graduated from Commerce High School, class of 1959. Helen and David were married in 1962, and eventually moved to Whitinsville to raise their family.

Helen worked as a secretary for many years, at Data General, State Mutual, Thom McCann, and other Worcester-area companies. She was married at, and a longtime member of, Emanual Lutheran Church in Quinsigamond Village.

In retirement she loved camping with David, traveling to Florida and Myrtle Beach many times, meeting other campers from the US and Canada who would become long-time friends, and also spending time at the family beach house in Harwichport on Cape Cod. Helen loved baking, and would always have a plate of Swedish brownies ready for any occasion.

But mostly Helen enjoyed her time with her granddaughters, and watching them grow. Helen loved children, and enjoyed birthday parties and seeing photos of her nephews’ and nieces’ children, as well as the children of friends and from her daughter-in-law Suzanne’s extended family. The family would like to thank everyone who included Helen as a part of their children’s lives.

Visiting Hours are Wednesday, December 3 from 5 to 7pm at Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, December 4 at 10am in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Helen’s name to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 200 Greenwood St., Worcester, 01607, or a children’s charity of your choice.