Erin Patrice (Nee Gaffney) Peterson

Erin Patrice Peterson (née Gaffney), age 53, passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 in her home after coping with Spinocerebellar Ataxia for six years. She was born in Philadelphia, PA before moving to Westfield, NJ where she spent her childhood.

Erin earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

After graduating, she began working for Merck where she stayed for 19 years. There she met her former husband, Larry Peterson. She then worked for Hoffman La Roche, Celegene, and Lexicon Pharmaceuticals.

Erin loved spending time with her two children, practicing yoga, reading, and baking. She enjoyed visiting historical sites, including the Miller Cory House in Westfield, and National Parks, of which Yellowstone was a favorite. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Westfield.

She is predeceased by her sister, Joan "Jonni" Kennedy (née Gaffney).

Her life will be remembered by: her children, Annie and Keith Peterson; her parents, Tom and Cathy Gaffney; her sister, Theresa Gaffney and her son Christian; her brother, Tim Gaffney and his children, Zoe and Tripp; her sister, Patsy Gaffney and her boyfriend, Rich Anderson; her brother, Brian Gaffney, her sister-in-law, Allison Gaffney, and their children, Brendan and Matthew; as well as her beloved grand-dog, Emmie. She will be missed by many other friends and family.

A wake will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021 from 4-8pm at Gray Funeral Home, 318 East Broad St. in Westfield, NJ. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 10:00am at the Presbyterian Church in Westfield, 140 Mountain Ave in Westfield, NJ. Please go to: www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences, and to view the service virtually. To view the service via a livestream, go to this link: https://youtu.be/2LZwNYvn6-w

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Erin's name to the National Ataxia Foundation, ataxia.org.