Susan Peterson

Susan A. Peterson, age 72, of Millcreek, passed away at her home, on February 15, 2023, following a second battle with cancer. She was born on May 12, 1950, daughter of the late Cecil C. and Evelyn (Cook) Copeland, and raised in Albion, PA.

Susan graduated from Northwestern High School in 1968.  Following high school, she married her only love, Robert “Pete” Peterson Jr., of Girard. Susan worked at many hospitals in the Erie area and even worked at a hospital in Punta Gorda, FL. She endured sending a husband to Vietnam and two sons to the Global War on Terrorism in Iraq multiple times.  Susan enjoyed completing home and yard projects and helping other family members with theirs. Her biggest joys were being there for family in need and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She was always there to help with numerous Army moves and was quick to care for grandsons with broken legs.  She loved living across the street from her son Jamie, she loved Elvis, and her favorite movie was John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club. She showed great strength in holding the family together by herself for over 20 years after surviving breast cancer and losing her husband Pete.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Pete, two sisters, Karen Copeland, and Linda Ransom; a half-sister, Mary Ann Talso; and two brothers, Cecil C. Copeland Jr. and Bruce Copeland. 

She will be greatly missed by her family, which includes her three sons, Bobby (Dana), Jamie, and Eric.  Her grandchildren: Courtney, Deanna, Erik, Melyn, Corey, Blayklee, Lance, and Troy will greatly miss her laugh and wisecracks.  She recently enjoyed the company of her 1st great-grandchild, Parker Jay.  She is also survived by two sisters, Carolyn Cottrell, and Roxanne Copeland; a sister-in-law, Nancy Teribery-Copeland; two brothers, Roger Copeland (Kris) and Rodney Copeland (Linda); many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Susan was able to experience many joys over the last 2 years during her fight with cancer due to the devotion of her youngest son Eric, who moved in to provide full-time loving care.  Susan was able to go to Graceland, attend the high school sporting events of grandsons in two states, welcome her 1st great-grandchild PJ into the world, have many lunches with her Aunt Bonnie and brother-in-law Paul, and tell her loved ones she loved them. 

No calling hours or services will be observed at this time. A graveside service at Girard Cemetery is planned for family and friends on May 27, 2023, at 2 PM with a Celebration of Life afterward.  The location of the Celebration of Life is TBD.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Burton Funeral Home, Inc., Girard, PA.