June E. Peterson

June Elizabeth Peterson, 89, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026. Born on June 17, 1936, in Auburn, New York, she was the beloved daughter of Harold and Marion (Champlin) Short. She grew up on her parents’ dairy farm in Auburn, NY, alongside her siblings, Marion, Eleanore, and Harold. The values of hard work, compassion, and family that she learned during her childhood remained with her throughout her life.

June attended Hope College, where she met her husband, Robert “Bob” Peterson. The two were married on August 8, 1958, beginning a life together that would span five decades until his passing in 2009. During the early years of their marriage, June taught elementary school while Bob attended seminary at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Together, they built a loving home and created many happy memories while raising their children and serving the Reformed Church of America in Livingston, Coxsackie, Cleveland, Utica, and Albany. After raising her family as a stay-at-home mother, June returned to education, teaching preschool. June will be remembered for her gentle heart, unwavering commitment to family and friends, and her many years helping children learn and grow.

June is survived by her sons, David Peterson and his wife, Malinda, and James Peterson and his wife, Mary. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Matthew (Brittani) Peterson, Megan (Ryan) Hudyncia, Jason Peterson, and Kathryn Peterson, as well as her adored great-grandchildren, Ryleigh and Chayse Peterson, and Michael and Maya Hudyncia. She is also survived by her sister, Eleanore Norden; her sister-in-law, Suzanne Peterson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

In addition to her husband, Bob, June was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Marion Mappes; her brother, Harold Short; her brothers-in-law, Russell Norden and Leon Mappes; her sister-in-law, Joyce Short; and her nephews, Peter Short and John Mappes.

A Memorial Service celebrating June’s life will be held at Niskayuna Reformed Church on June 13 at 11:00 a.m. A live stream of the service will be available at https://niskayunareformed.org/

In lieu of flowers, donations in June’s memory may be made to Niskayuna Reformed Church.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the caring staff at Hudson Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, St. Peter’s Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, and St. Peter’s Hospital. They also thank the pastors and members of the Niskayuna Reformed Church and her numerous friends for all the love and support they gave over the years.