Obituary of Melody L. Peterson

It is with profound sadness that we share the news that our beautiful Melody Lynn Peterson died Friday, September 17, 2021, in her home. A lifelong area resident, she was born August 25, 1956, in Jamestown, NY, the third daughter of the late Irving O. and May C. Lawson Swanson. She happily grew up with her four brothers and three sisters in Bemus Point, NY, where she attended Bemus Point Schools graduating from Maple Grove High School in 1974. Melody graduated from Fredonia State College with a bachelor's degree in Education and later worked diligently to receive a master's degree in English from Fredonia State College. She also studied at Canisius College to become a Pet Therapy Specialist. She is survived by her daughter, Kristen D. Peterson (Arlo) and three grandchildren, Warrior, Spirit and Sunray, as well as stepsons Dennis Jr and David Peterson. Also surviving are her seven siblings, Keith (Peg) Swanson of Bemus Point, Dale (Mark) Desmond of Boston, MA, Lydia (Tom) Angle of Savannah, GA, Adelle (Bill) McCarthy of Lillian, AL, Leighton (Deb) Swanson of Jamestown, Lowell (fiancé Deb Liddell) Swanson of Jamestown and Nathan (Rachelle) Swanson of Bear, DE. Also surviving are six nephews, ten nieces and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Irving and May Swanson, as well as her faithful dog, Minnie. Melody worked as caseworker at the Chautauqua County Social Services Department before teaching English at Randolph Central School. She was also co-owner of Peterson Trucking with her former husband Dennis. She was also very involved in the production and sales of Seneca Salve, a business started by her mother-in-law Myrtle Peterson. She was a member of AME Blackwell Chapel and Alcoholics Anonymous. We will remember Melody as a loving and devoted sister, daughter, mother, aunt, and friend. She had an exquisite voice and sang at family gatherings with her sisters and was a member of local bands and community choruses. She loved her loyal dogs, Minnie and Irving who were with her wherever she went. She had an unending interest in American History with an extensive knowledge of the World Wars. She had great admiration for the military service of her father Irving and brothers Keith and Lowell. Like her mother May, she shared an interest and curiosity about people, making friends wherever she was. Those of us who loved her will miss her sense of humor, her feistiness, her quick mind, and wit and her ability to show love and generosity to her family and friends. Her stubbornness caused us frustration but was also part of what we loved. She was the unofficial family coordinator of so many gatherings for weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. She was a wonderful cook and found joy in hosting many family gatherings. We wish she could help us through this difficult time now. Melody exhibited amazing courage and strength. Her family thanks all those who helped her through these difficult years. Special thanks to Cheri Greenstein for her love and friendship. Ultimately Melody knew how much we loved her which is the greatest gift we could have given her. At this time a private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Visitation will not be observed. A celebration of life service for family and friends will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Rd. Jamestown, NY 14701, Chautauqua County Mental Health Association, 31 Water St. Suite 7, Jamestown, NY 14701, or to any Alcoholics Anonymous organization.