Richfield Springs, NY - Barbara Ellen Petersen, 88, of Richfield Springs, NY passed away on Friday, August 2, 2024 @ Woodside Hall in Cooperstown, NY in the comfort of her family and staff.

Barbara was born on May 3, 1936 in Buffalo, NY. She was adopted at 5 days old to Barbara & Arthur Delventhal of Palisades Park, NJ. Barbara went to school in NJ and graduated from Leona High School in 1955. After graduation, Barbara married her life long love, Edgar W. Petersen. They had met as children in Sunday school and were neighbors for many years.

As Ed was serving in the US Navy at the time, Barbara made her home with her parents for the first years of marriage. Barbara and Ed always wanted a large family and went on to have 5 children as they made their home in Washington Township, NJ. Barbara spent the early part of her life raising their kids. She went on to become licensed to drive a school bus and became their bus driver. She was known as "Irving". She went on to work at Mercedes Benz of NA as the children grew.

Having purchased property in Richfield Springs in 1968, they progressively cleared the land and built their own home. They then relocated with the 3 youngest children in 1979. Barbara retired from MIBH after 25 years, in a job she loved and was proud of, in finance as a Physician Reimbursement Analyst. After retirement @ 65 she went on to become a Master Gardener and shared her love of nature with others. She was also a great lover of German Shepherd's, all of whom loved her unconditionally.

With the help of her granddaughter, Lonni, Barbara discovered her biological family who reside in Oregon. On her 83rd birthday she flew out to meet them. She cherished these new relationships, especially with her sister Alice and niece Terria.

Barbara was predeceased but her husband Edgar, daughter Linda deBetz, sons-in-law Ervin deBetz and James Domion, her parents and brother Warren.

She is survived by her children Roy Petersen and Kristin Domion of Richfield Springs, Barbara A. Petersen & wife Anne Gadomski of Cooperstown, son Kurt and wife Lori Petersen of Morehead City, NC. Her grandchildren include: Larissa, Eric, Lonni, Ben, Emma, Kurt Jr., Jessie, and Clayton. Great grandchildren include: Jason, Kylee, Wyatt, Evee, Ellie and Lucy.

A Celebration of Life for Barbara will be held on Sunday, August 25th at the Richfield Springs Vets Club starting 12pm Noon. All friends and family welcome.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Woodside Hall (Activities Fund), 1 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY. 13325 or to German Shepherd Rescue off NY, Inc. PO Box 242, Delmar, NY. 12054. Inform either facility who donation is in lieu of so they may mail you a donation letter for taxes.

To send online condolences please visit www.ottmanfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care of the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley, NY