Elin L. Peterson, age 79, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, with her two beloved daughters by her side.

Elin was born in Elmira, NY, on September 8, 1946, to Theodore and Ruth Peterson, who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her brother, Donald Peterson, and her grandson, Conner Abidin. She graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1964 and attended Hiram College, where she studied sociology. She later earned two master's degrees from Elmira College.

Elin dedicated her life to serving others and remaining active in her community. Her professional career and volunteer service reflected her compassion, leadership, and commitment to helping others. Among the many roles she held throughout the years were co-owner and editor of the local newspaper while living in Connecticut, public relations professional at Aetna Life & Casualty, and domestic violence counselor and child abuse prevention educator at Rape Crisis Service in Penn Yan.

Throughout her life, Elin was deeply involved in her churches and communities. She carried the same passion for volunteering as her mother, father, and brother. Among her many contributions, she had served as President of the Dundee School Board, Hammondsport Nursery School, and Dundee Dollars for Scholars. Throughout the years, she was also a member of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Chair of the Dundee Playground Committee, Treasurer of Dundee Central School, and a hospice volunteer in both Connecticut and New York. Up until her passing, she volunteered at Fred & Harriet Taylor Health in Bath, where she spent seven days a week serving the residents. She was also a devoted member of Harvest Baptist Church in Bath.

Elin lived an adventurous life before settling down to raise her daughters. She spent summers with her family on Cedar Island in Connecticut and later enjoyed time aboard her father's boat, the Nomad V. She traveled often and filled her passport throughout the years, especially cherishing her visits to Sweden, where her paternal grandparents were born. Later in life, she remained fiercely independent- some might even say a tad bit stubborn- which was a testament to her strong will and determination. She carried that independence with her all the way through to her recent hospitalization.

The greatest joy of Elin's life was being a mother to her two daughters and sharing her love of the ocean and Connecticut with her grandchildren. She deeply cared for her Fred & Harriet Taylor Health family and touched countless lives through her kindness, compassion, and service. She will be fondly remembered by the residents, their families, and all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughters, Jessica Apgar (Darlene Apgar) and Emily Miller (Bryson Keefer); her beloved grandchildren, Abbey, Colby, Carter, Benjamin, and Baileigh; niece and nephew Lisa Peterson-Grace and Rob Peterson; sister-in-law Karen Peterson; and close friends Amanda Cervoni and Lisa Fairchild.

We love you mom, and hope you have found your way back into the loving arms of Gruppy, Grandpa-dad, and Uncle Don.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Bath at Harvest Baptist Church on August 27th from 5-7pm. All are invited to join us throughout the evening to share memories, stories, and light refreshments as we honor and celebrate Elin's life.