June 1, 2009
Peatfield, Rev, Alice Gertrude
Alice Gertrude (Forshee) Peatfield, age 99, of Walpole, MA and Niantic CT, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2009 at her home at New Pond Village in Walpole, where she had lived for the past 17 years. “Dode” was born November 2, 1909 in the Philippine Islands, the second daughter of Archie A. and Alice (Trussell) Forshee. Her father was a Baptist minister and missionary in the Philippine Islands during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gertrude graduated from Wheaton College in 1931 and was married to Robert R. Peatfield, a member of AIEEE, a graduate of Boston Latin School, and MIT. She followed her father into the ministry in 1963 after graduating from Andover-Newton Theological School and Boston University. She interned at the Boston City Hospital. Reverend Peatfield became the Protestant Chaplain at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital and served in that capacity for seven years. Robert and Gertrude raised three sons; the late Robert B., and his wife Nancy (Doe) of Clinton, CT; David F., and his wife Nellie (Whynott) of Marcellus, NY; and Harold A. of Niantic, CT. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren. Gertrude participated in the Musical and Drama Clubs, Senior Choir, Varsity Field Hockey, Swimming, Basketball, Baseball, and Track at Wheaton, and continued her love of athletics as an avid Red Sox, Bruins, and especially a New England Patriots fan. She loved her Crescent Beach summer residence where she enjoyed seasonal living for 84 years and was “Fleet Chaplin” at Niantic Bay Yacht Club between 1984 and 2005 where she and her husband had been charter members. Gertrude was extremely active throughout her life and was especially proud of her ministry with the New Pond Interfaith Fellowship that she was instrumental in founding. Further, she was a bell ringer for both the Codman and Westwood First Baptist Church Bell Ringer groups. She particularly enjoyed the Boston Pops, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and visits to the Wayside Inn. Gertrude had an exceptional sense of humor, as did her father, and was a deeply religious person and lived her faith throughout her long and exciting life. She loved, gave generously, and supported her entire family, including her pet canary Seiji, named for Seiji Ozawa whom she admired. Her life ended as she lived it; with dignity and class. She did it “her way”. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Thursday, June 4th at 11 AM at the First Baptist Church, 808 High St., Westwood. Private interment will be in Milton Cemetery, Milton, MA. An informal celebration of the extraordinary life of the Reverend Gertrude Peatfield will be held at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to and organization of your choice, or to the Caritas Good Samaritan Hospice, 3 Edgewater Drive, Norwood, MA 02062, or to the Westwood Bell Ringers, First Baptist Church, 808 High St., Westwood, MA 02090