Carolyn Peterson, 45

Shrewsbury - Carolyn W. (Wesby) Peterson, 45, died at home Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, surrounded by her loving family, after a long courageous battle with breast cancer.

She leaves her husband of 22 years, Gerald "Jerry" Peterson; her children, Jeffrey Peterson and Kayla Peterson; her siblings, Joseph "Terry" Wesby III, Roger Wesby and Jane Spencer Wesby; her brother-in-law, James "Jim" Peterson; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Nancy Mekjian, who died of breast cancer in 2001.

Born and raised in Worcester, the daughter of Joseph Wesby Jr. and Eleanor (Mansur) Wesby, she had lived in Shrewsbury for the past 14 years. She graduated from Bancroft School in Worcester and received her B.S. degree in Medical Technology from Anna Maria College.

Mrs. Peterson had been employed as a quality assurance specialist for two years at UMass Memorial Medical Center-Memorial Campus. Previously, she had worked for 23 years for the Blood Bank at the UMass Memorial Medical Center-University Campus.

A faithful church member of Greendale People's Church, she was very active on several committees and was the former chair of the Music Committee.

Mrs. Peterson was a devoted wife, mother, sister and daughter, and was loved by all who knew her.

A celebration of Mrs. Peterson's life was held Aug. 17 from Greendale People's Church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Kayla and Jeff rey Peterson College Fund, c/o Sovereign Bank, Mail Code: MA1CBO0715, 44 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury, MA 01545; the Greendale People's Church, Music Committee Fund, 25 Francis St., Worcester, MA 01606; or to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 LBJ Fwy, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244.