Obituary: Barbara Mae Peterson

November 1, 1932 – November 14, 2025

Barbara Mae Peterson, 1932-2025

Fairlee, Vermont – Barbara Mae Peterson, 93, passed away at Mayo Healthcare in Northfield on Friday, November 14, 2025.  Born in Williamstown, Vermont, on November 1, 1932,  she was the daughter of the late Harry Chaffee Sr. and Edwina Chaffee. On June 14, 1952, Barbara married Charles H. Peterson in East Topsham.

Barbara worked as a secretary for WDEV in Waterbury and then for the State of Vermont. She was a long-time member of Queen Esther Chapter #7, OES, Waterbury, Vermont, and a member of the Ladies Aide for the Waterbury Center Community Church. Barbara enjoyed taking meticulous care of her home inside and out. She and her family spent many happy summers at the camp that she and Hugh built together in Island Pond. 

Barbara is survived by her half sisters Joanne Cooper, Izola Washburn, Joyce Clark and Linda Dexter; her children, Susan I. Metayer and husband Vincent of Hyde Park, Jennifer P. Boyden and husband Eric of Richmond, Timothy H. Peterson of Waterbury; five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. 

Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Charles Hugh Peterson, in 2012, and brothers Wayne Chaffee, Robert “Rabbit” Chaffee, Craige Chaffee, and stepmother Jean Chaffee.

Interment will take place in the Waits River Cemetery in the spring.  Assisting the family is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury.