Eleanor “Ellie” Beecher (Van Doren) Peterson

LEWISTON – Eleanor “Ellie” Beecher Van Doren Peterson, 91, passed away on Aug. 19, 2024, at home in Lewiston surrounded by her loving family.

Eleanor was born on Dec. 16, 1932 in Trenton, N.J. to Edward and Eleanor Van Doren. She graduated from Trenton High School in 1950. Following in her parents’ footsteps as educators, she graduated from Trenton State Teachers College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kindergarten – Primary Education in 1954. As an elementary educator, she taught for over 30 years in many local schools including Dingley, Farwell, Sherwood Heights, and Sabattus Elementary where she retired in 1997, touching the lives of hundreds of students and their families over the many years.

Ellie met the love of her life, Frederick A. Peterson, at a USO Dance in Trenton, N.J. while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force, following his tour of duty in Korea during the Korean War. They married in New Jersey on July 25, 1953. They then moved their new family to Lewiston in 1955 and built their home. Fred and Ellie had just celebrated their 71st Anniversary.

Ellie was very active in the Lewiston/Auburn community over her many years. She was active in Community Little Theatre, served the former United Baptist Church in Lewiston as organist, choir director, Sunday school teacher, and their first woman trustee. Eleanor was also the first woman fire commissioner for the City of Lewiston and served the city from 1976 to 1980. Ellie was a life member of the Order of Eastern Star, serving in both Mt. Olivet Chapter No. 29 and Pine Cone Chapter No. 26, and as Grand Organist for the Grand Chapter of Maine – OES. “Mum P” served as Mother Advisor to Lewiston Assembly # 12 and Maine State Mother Advisor of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls.

Eleanor had a life-long love for music. She started playing piano at 3 years old. In high school, she learned to play the organ at a local church in Trenton, N.J. She played the organ for many years at local churches and for Eastern Star. Her other hobbies included: gardening, cake decorating, astrology, genealogy, puzzles, and babysitting her grandchildren.

Eleanor is survived by her husband Fred; and their children Robert Peterson of Fullerton, Calif., Kenneth Peterson of Lewiston, Katherine Perron (Richard) of Sabattus, Sharon Peterson of Lewiston, and Steven Peterson of Auburn; along with 15 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her son, Richard Peterson and his wife, Consuelo, daughter-in-law, Amy Peterson; grandson, Andrew Peterson; her brother, Dr. Edward Van Doren, and her brother-in-law, George Peterson.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Andwell Hospice, especially nurse Dawn, Sister Ann, and Chaplain Elizabeth.

The family will hold visitation on Saturday Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and an Eastern Star Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at the Fortin Group in Auburn at 217 Turner St., Auburn, ME 04210. The burial will take place following the service at Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, 217 Turner St., Auburn, ME 04210, 207-783-8545.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Eleanor V. Peterson.