Shirley A. Larkin-Peterson

Shirley Larkin Peterson (Picard) of Johnston, RI, formerly of Walpole and Medfield, MA, died unexpectedly on Presidents' Day, February 18th, in North Providence, RI. She had recently celebrated her 80th birthday.

Born in Holyoke, MA to the late Harvey and Rena Perreault Picard, on January 23, 1928, she graduated from Holyoke High School in 1945 and Holyoke Hospital School of Nursing in 1948. She married the late Robert J. Larkin, Sr. of Medfield to whom she was married for 53 years and with whom she owned and operated Larkin Real Estate. She was an original member of the Medfield League of Women Voters and she was a long-time participant in the Nurses' Health Study. She was preceded in death by her son, Robert J. Larkin, Jr., and she leaves four children and their spouses: Elizabeth Mantelli and Bill MacGregor of Johnston, RI; Richard Larkin and Lisa Leon of Mansfield, MA; Jane Larkin and Mark Kolenski of North Andover, MA; Ted and Jill Daniels Larkin of Warwick, RI; and three dear friends who were like children to her: Susan Pierce of Plainview, MA; and Steve and Debbie Leon Swierk of Walpole. She leaves six grandchildren: Douglas and his wife Hillary Mantelli of Castle Rock, CO; Tony Rodriquez Larkin of Boone, NC; Melissa Ann Larkin of Johnston, RI; Leon Larkin of Mansfield, MA; Elizabeth Larkin Kolenski of North Andover, MA and Robbie John Larkin of Warwick, RI. In addition, she leaves great grandchildren Connor and Owen Mantelli of Castle Rock, CO. She is survived also by four sisters-in-law: Joan Larkin and Janet Rooney of Medfield; Vivian Picard of South Hadley, MA; and Ginger Picard of Lutz, FL. She leaves many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

While at Holyoke High School, she introduced her first cousin, the late Barbara Picard, to her classmate, James King Peterson. Miss Picard and Mr Peterson subsequently married and remained together for 58 years, until the former's death in 2005. Two years ago, the former Mrs. Larkin and Mr. Peterson, both widowed, reunited for their 60th high school reunion and fell in love and were married. They spent the last two years blissfully traveling around this country and abroad, celebrating life with their families and friends and following Mrs. Peterson's favorite bands: Scary Wagon and North Street. Mrs. Peterson thus is survived by her husband, James K. Peterson, a stepson and his wife Jim and Cheryl Peterson of Saugus, MA; and two step-daughters: Ruth Ann Kitchens of Auburn,WA and Nancy Munsell of Tuscon,AZ. She also leaves many step-grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to call at James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home in Walpole from 4-8 PM on Thursday evening, February 21st and they are invited to a funeral service at the funeral home at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 22nd. Interment will follow in Vine Lake Cemetery, Medfield. Services will be conducted by her dear friend, Reverend Dr. Robert Wood of Medfield. Pallbearers will be grandsons: Doug Mantelli, Tony and Leon Larkin and step-grandsons John and Tim Rice and step-great grandson, Ken Barboza. Donations in Mrs. Peterson's name may be made to the Salvation Army, 100 North Street, Hyannis, MA, 02601.