Catherine M. (Whelan) Peters, 90, died unexpectedly on May 13.
Born in Marlborough, she was the daughter of the late Augustine and Rose (Monahan) Whelan; she spent her life between Marlborough and Oak Bluffs. A graduate ofMarlborough High School and The Boston Business School, she was always involved in the operation of the family businesses, Moseley's on the Charles, Dedham, Lake Chauncey Park, Westborough and The Old Variety Store in Oak Bluffs which, with herdaughter Jane, she continued tooperate until being stricken while preparing to open the store for the summer season.
The store has been in continuous operation by her family for over 100 years. Although she was employed as a dietitian locally for several years atWestborough State Hospital and the former Cushing Hospital, she operated the family store on the Vineyard for over 60 years. She was a true Islander and spent hours conversing about Islan d and world affairs with the celebrities, locals andvisitors who returned for several generations to her store year after year.
The carousel which sits near her store is the oldest in the country and drew children and adults alike as they came to ride and observe the historical site.
It is fitting that her life ended doing what she loved best, preparing to open the store with her daughter Jane. During World War II she worked as a clerk at Fort Devens. She was a lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Parish, the former Newman Club and Rosary Sodality of the parish. She was a past president of the MarlboroughHistorical Society, and a girl scout leader of troup 426 inMarlborough.
She is survived by her daughter, Jane R. Peters of Marlborough and Oak Bluffs and many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Charles V. Whelan.
A funeral was held May 18 in Marlborough. Interment was in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Marlborough.
Donations may be made to The Parkinsons Disease Association of MA, 7 East Concord street, C3, Boston, MA 02118 or The Alzheimer’s Foundation, 311 Arsenal street,Watertown MA 02472.
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