Elizabeth "Chris" Peterson

Elizabeth Christina Peterson, of Seaford, passed away Monday, February 8, 2021, at TidalHealth Hospital.  She was born the second oldest child of the late Mr. and Mrs. Norman Cozens of England. 

Elizabeth assumed the nickname Chris and it remained with her, her entire life. Chris’s early youth was spent under the guidance of Doctor Barnardo Youth Hostel prior to foster care.  She told many stories of watching the Allied and German fighter bombers draw vapor trails in the air.  She also  told friends and family how she never slept in her bed but spent the nights from 1939 until 1945 in a makeshift table that lowered its side and the children were all placed under the table for protection from falling debris in what was then called  Anderson Bomb shelter.

As a young lady, Chris went to work at Cayley's Chocolate factory as a candy packer in Norwich England, after completing school.

She met her beloved husband, Alger, in 1956 and they married a year later before moving to their first of many stateside bases.  While at Griffiss AFB NY, Chris became the President of the English Wives Club called Together Again; a popular club of English Brides of WWII.  Membership remained strong at close to 100.  She also became an American Citizen which aided her husband's second tour back to England. 

While later stationed stateside in Keesler, MS, Hurricane Camile struck.  Weeks were spent in cleanup and Chris became the first Den Mother of Cub Pack 260.  She took over the duties of DEN Mother Coach as the pack grew quickly.  Chris continued numerous other duties as NCO Wives club Treasurer, and provided transportation to her Cubs for baseball, swimming and other youth sports.  Further base assignments, Included Duluth MN, Westover MA, Malmstrom MT.

Chris and Pete became the parents of two sons, Phillip W., Jan L. Peterson.  The families became avid bowlers and have bowled in the Stadium in RENO NV and across the Northern tier of the US.

In addition to her parents, Chris is preceded in death by her grandson, Michael Peterson who was killed in a return drive from a Church Conference from AZ to UT on Father's Day 2011.

Chris is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Alger L. Peterson; sons, Phillip and Jan (Keralee) Peterson; 5 grandsons, 2 granddaughter in laws, 2 granddaughters, 2 great granddaughters and 2 great grandsons; 3 sisters and 2 brothers in England; brother in laws, Virgil (Sue) Peterson of Minneapolis and Wayne Peterson (special friend, Connie) of Henderson MN. 

Donations can be made in Chris’s honor to: St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital at: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now or the Delaware Food Bank at: https://www.fbd.org/onlinedonations/.

Due to the limits and restrictions imposed due to Covid 19, the interment of Chris will take place in the Salt Lake City VA Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc, Harrington.  Visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to sign the condolence book.

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