Gloria Christine (Staples) Peterson, 86, passed away on January 26, 2017.  Beloved daughter of the late Fred and Althea M. (Fifield) Staples, Gloria was predeceased by her husband, Gordon F. Peterson, her granddaughter, Karen Marie Martin, her son-in-law John Martin, sisters and brothers, Natalie Henderson, Fred L Staples, Jr., Winnifred Peterson, Selwyn Staples, Cynthia Josselyn, and Judith Hubbard. She is survived by her children, Christine Peterson Martin, Kathleen M. Spiegelberg, Theresa Peterson Roberts, Linda Wilhelmi, Pamela Peterson, and Steven Peterson, her brother, Donal Staples, her grandchildren, Russell Shamburger, Amanda Marinaro, Matthew Roberts, Christopher Roberts, Kimberly Spadafora, Megan Lassiter, Quentin Peterson, Joshua Peterson, Logan Peterson, Moira Peterson and great-grandchildren, Braden and Gabriel Shamburger, Salvatore and Anthony John Marinaro, Harrison and Colette Roberts and her very dear son-in-law, James Roberts.

"Goldie" attended Marshfield public schools and graduated in 1948 from Marshfield (MA) High School.  The first in her family to attend college and earn a bachelor's degree, she graduated from State Teachers College in Salem MA in 1952.  In 1975 she earned her master's degree in education from George Washington University in Washington DC, while working full time and rearing her family.   An athlete throughout her high school and college year's playing field hockey, basketball, and softball, Gloria was President of the Women's Athletic Association at Salem.

After college graduation, she joined her husband in California and moved to multiple Marine Corps duty stations in North Carolina, Hawaii, New Jersey, Georgia, and Virginia, as her family expanded. After Gordon's death in 1968, Gloria made Virginia her home and taught in business schools, adult education schools and in public schools in and near Fairfax County VA.  She was the cheerleading sponsor for many years at Langley High School and a Girl Scout leader.

Retired in 1991, Gloria moved to Tucson AZ, without knowing a soul.  She quickly made friends and created a beautiful life there.  She was active in her church and clubs and loved living in the desert southwest.

Gloria loved to travel and retirement gave her the time to getaway.  She went to Europe for six weeks in the 90's, cruised the Caribbean multiple times as well to Alaska.  She amazed her friends by how frequently she drove across country.  Traveling was a joy to her and she loved to drive her car.  Her favorite getaway spot was at the Aruba Beach Club in Oranjestad, Aruba every October for two weeks.  Many family members and friends traveled with her and enjoyed the ocean view from her balcony.

Throughout her life, Gloria maintained friendships with the people she met.  She wrote letters daily staying in touch with family and friends and liked to detour from a car trip to stop and visit.  Every visit from a friend or family member, every telephone call, and every letter brought her happiness.

Gloria's health declined in the last three years of her life and she lived with her daughters on the east coast during that time.  Her independent spirit and positive attitude was undiminished.  She leaves a legacy of kindness and love with a big dash of Staples righteousness.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Mission San Xavier del Bac, c/o Fr. Steve, 1950 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85746-7409 would be appreciated.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street (Rte. 139) in Marshfield.  A Funeral Mass will held on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 40 Canal Street, Marshfield.  Burial will be in Mayflower Cemetery, Duxbury.