Barbara Ann Shiroky Peterson, a lifelong resident of Stratford CT, succumbed to cancer on July 28, 2020. The daughter of the late John and Julianna Selepes Shiroky, Barbara was born April 20, 1939. She graduated from Franklin Elementary School, Wooster Junior High School, Stratford High School, Southern Connecticut State College, and Sacred Heart University. Her professional career included administrative assistant positions with the law firm of Brennan, Daly and McNamara, and The Bank Mart, and she retired as administrative assistant to the President of Bridgeport Hospital.

Community service was important to Barbara, throughout her life. As a young mom, she volunteered for the Unitarian Universalist nursery school, Chapel Street School PTA, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Bronco baseball league. During her working years she served on the board of the Center for Women and Families. Following her retirement, she volunteered at Bridgeport Hospital, until her illness prevented her from doing so.

Barbara was an avid reader, and walker. She enjoyed travel to six continents, summers at the Maine coast with her grandchildren, theater, and the arts, and especially time with family and friends. She was a passionate fan of the University of Connecticut's Women's Basketball team.

Barbara is survived by her children Karen L. Peterson, MD (Rob Kittredge), Nancy M. Peterson, MSN, RN (Steve Hackett), and Raymond J. Peterson, PhD (Sieglinde Talbott Peterson), grandchildren Bobby Kittredge (Lisa), Julianna Moll (Mike), Heather Smith (Stephen Petrahai), Peter Kittredge, and Catherine and William Peterson; great-grandchild Lucie Marie Kittredge and two great-grandchildren on the way, whom Barbara said she was making room for. She is also survived by her sister Sandy (Peter MacGillivray): nieces and nephews Renee, Courtney, Peter and Garth, and their spouses and children; special cousin Judi McQuillan; and many other cousins and special friends.

Barbara was predeceased by her former husband and father of their children Raymond S. Peterson, her brother-in-law Ronald P. Peterson, sister-in-law Dianne Ludwig Peterson, special cousin Bob McQuillan, and the Greatest Generation of Shiroky, and Selepes, aunts and uncles.

Many thanks to all who prayed for Barbara during her illness. It made such a difference.

Barbara was extremely grateful for the excellent medical care she received at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Park Avenue Medical Center, Bridgeport Hospital, Stratford VNA and Griswold Home Care, as well as at Maine Health Cancer Care Center and New England Cancer Specialists. The family would like to thank Dr. Justin Persico, Kim Bielecki, RN, Dr. Dan Rudolph, Dr. Dorin Amir, Dr. Igor Latich, Dr. Nimrod Lavi and Dr. Vidhya Rao, along with all their staff, for their tireless efforts and compassion. In addition, Barbara could never say enough about how much she appreciated the love, support, care and compassion of her immediate family, close friends, and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Barbara's memory to The Smilow Cancer Hospital Closer to Free Fund ( http://www.closertofree.com/give.aspx ) or to the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation (https://foundation.bridgeporthospital.org/).

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, there will be no calling hours. A memorial service and burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at St. John's Cemetery, 2610 Nichols Avenue, in Stratford. All are welcome, but must wear a facemask while in attendance for the safety of the community.