Isabelle V. (Dunchus) Paradise Peterson

WINCHENDON - Isabelle V. "Issy" (Dunchus) Paradise Peterson, 86, formerly of 28 Cedar Street, Winchendon, died peacefully Friday morning, October 23rd in Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, Gardner, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Winchendon on February 15,1923, the daughter of the late Charles E. and Eva (Dunchus) Grier and was a lifelong resident of Winchendon. Issy worked many years ago at Baxter D. Whitney Co., Independent Lock, Wood Brook Boys Camp and M.H. Parks Furniture Co. She took care of 64 children over a 32 year span of babysitting. She also sold Avon products for many years. Issy was very involved in community and church activities for much of her life. She was a former Girl Scout leader, Past President of the PTA at the former Woodcock School, a member of the Waterville Social Club, Past President of the Winchendon CAC, a member of the Winchendon Historical Society, Winchendon Golden Agers, Winchendon Garden Club and Ecumentical Council of Churches. She was an active member of the United Parish in Winchendon, where she was a member of its Women's Federation, Flower Committee, Missions Committee and was a former Chairman of the Harvest Table at its annual Holly Bazaar. She was a 1942 graduate of Murdock High School. Issy was the recipient of many community awards for her unselfish work in the community. She was the recipient of the Wendell P. Clark Memorial Senior Citizen Award in 1992, the Good Citizen Award in 1969, the Town of Winchendon Citizen of the Year Award at its 225 anniversary in 1989, the Lady of the Year Award presented in 1966 by the Knights of Columbus, the Grange Community Citizen Award in 1996, the Community Recognition award presented by the Universalist Unitarian Church in 2000 and the Winchendon Women's Club Community Service Award in 1989. Her greatest enjoyment came from spending time visiting shut-ins, residents of nursing homes and hospitals. She was predeceased by two husbands, Oliver L. Paradise, who died in 1964 and Howard E. Peterson, who died in 1989. She leaves a son, Robert L. Paradise and his wife Gail of Winchendon; two daughters, Patti L. Conway and her husband Michael of South Dartmouth and Linda V. Bevan and her husband James of Winchendon; three step children, Dale Howard Peterson of Chesterfield, NH, Jerry D. Peterson and his wife Diane of Amherst, NH and Trudy A. Croff and her husband David of Barre, MA, a daughter-in-law, Elaine Peterson of Winchendon, a brother, Carl Grier of Martha's Vineyard, two sisters, Marilyn Kuhn of Fl and Joyce Frongello of CA., 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by two stepsons, Carl A. Peterson, who was killed in action in 1969 in Viet Nam and Dennis C. Peterson, who died last year, as well as a sister, Gloria Launier. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 26th at 11 A.M. in The United Parish, 39 Front Street with the Rev. F. Calvin Miller and the Rev. Cameron Borton officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours in the Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Sunday, October 25th from 5 to 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, care of Curt Fitzmaurice, 10 Oakland Street, Winchendon, MA. 01475. www.stone-ladeau.com