Eleanor Alice Peterson

Eleanor Alice Peterson, loving wife and mother, peacefully passed from our world on Sunday, November 14, 2021 surrounded by her son Stephen Peterson, her daughter Laura Betgevergiz and husband Reymon Betgevergiz, along with her grandchildren Jason Betgevergiz and Jon Betgevergiz with his love Macayla Coleman.

Born February 4, 1939 to Conrad and Eleanor Falkiewicz in northern New Jersey, Alice was the oldest of her siblings Anne Armistead (deceased), Virginia “Jinx” Giardini, and Conrad Falkiewicz. The family moved to Tenafly, New Jersey where "Cottontop" graduated Tenafly High School in 1957. She was known for "personality plus" and being "full of school spirit."  After attending Roanoke College, Alice worked as a secretary at the New York Produce Exchange then moved to Florida to work as a tour guide at Cypress Gardens where she met the man who would become her husband Major Roger Holt "Pete" Peterson, USAF (retired, deceased) on a blind date.   Alice and Pete dated every night after that until Pete was transferred to Laredo, Texas. Their relationship continued and they were married on September 2, 1960, the day Pete was awarded his pilot wings.   

Alice and Pete had two children, Stephen and Laura. Over the years, the family was stationed in the Midwest, New England, Hawaii, and California. Upon retirement from the Air Force the family moved back to Tenafly.  As her children got older, Alice took a job with Hunt Chemical Company that later became part of Fuji where she started small and finished big. 

Upon retiring, Alice moved to Lawrenceville, Georgia to be near Laura, Reymon and her grandchildren Jonathan and Jason.   Alice took great joy in loving her grandkids and just sparkled anytime they were together. She also loved to spend time with her son, Stephen, and his wife Elizabeth “Bert” Peterson either in Vermont or when they visited Georgia. The biggest joys of her life were moments when any family joined together, whether for champagne cocktails at the holidays, beach trips, weddings, or just simple moments of family love.  She was known as an avid reader, a great party thrower and a wonderful friend.

Alice was a long-time volunteer at the Atlanta Aquarium, one of her favorite places. For those who wish to do so in lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to the Research & Conservation program via one of the following ways: Donations  at https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/donations/. As soon as you make the donation, we ask that you also please email [email protected] to notify the aquarium that your donation is a memorial for Eleanor Alice Peterson or Via check to: Georgia Aquarium, Attn. Development, 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. Please include in the memo line: Memorial donation for Eleanor Alice Peterson or with a credit card over the phone at 404-581-4136.

To honor her request, the family will hold a visitation only on Saturday, November 20, 2021, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at Little & Davenport, 355 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville, Georgia for those who wish to join us in paying their respects.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501.