Sultana "Susie" Peterson

Sultana “Susie” (Teranes) Peterson, age 102, died on April 22, 2026, due to old age complications. She was born in Bristol, CT, on June 20, 1923, one of three daughters of the late Anthony Teranes and Anna (Demos) Teranes Lewis, immigrants from Lesbos, Greece. After Anthony's death, she became the stepdaughter of the late John G. Lewis.

Susie attended trade school and became an accomplished seamstress. She married Peter W. Peterson in 1945, a childhood family acquaintance, and the two raised three children in Newington, CT, where she lived for 61 years. Peter died in 2007.

Susie worked 26 years in the Newington school food service system, retiring in 1989 as the head cook of John Wallace Middle School. She was a diligent and generous member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in New Britain, CT. She belonged to the church choir for over 60 years. She was a member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society, Kitchen Club, and Golden Rascals, and worked at Church festivals, cooking Greek specialties for church fundraising.

Susie was dedicated to her family, knitting afghans, sewing dresses, cooking holiday feasts, and being hospitable to out-of-town relatives. She often baked Greek desserts for neighbors and friends.

In 2018, Susie moved to Arbor Rose Assisted Living in New Britain, where she was well known for her upbeat attitude and love of laughter. She drew many residents, as well as family and outside visitors, to her side. Even at an advanced age, she attended many social activities at Arbor Rose on her walker and retained her keen sense of humor.

In addition to her husband, Susie was predeceased by her sisters, Molly Pelletier of Waterbury and Mary Lemnotis of New Britain; a stepbrother, Richard Lewis of Manchester; a grandson, Brian Michael Peterson of Waterbury; and a son-in-law, Danny Taylor of South Windsor. She leaves three children, Claire Taylor of South Windsor, CT, Tony Peterson and his wife, Ellen, of Suffield, CT, and Brian Peterson and his wife, Mary, of Bethlehem, CT; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Susie’s family commends the fine care she received at Arbor Rose and from her Hartford HealthCare at Home aides, especially Vivian Nozewski.

Calling hours are from 10 am to 11 am at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 301 West Main Street, New Britain, CT 06052, on Monday, April 27, followed by a funeral service. Burial will be in West Meadow Cemetery in Newington. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. George Greek Orthodox Church at the above address. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please share a memory of Susie with the family in the online guestbook at www.ericksonhansen.com