VERNON CENTER >> Jean G. Peterson, age 80, of Vernon Center passed away unexpectedly early Wednesday morning Oct. 8, 2014 in the Masonic Care Community Nursing Facility.She was born on July 25, 1934 in Oneida, N.Y. a daughter of the late Thomas M. and Isabel S. (MacEwan) Griffing. In 1953 Jean and Gerald B. Peterson were united in marriage and have shared a loving marriage of over 61 years together.Prior to her retirement Jean was employed for over 30 years as a telephone operator with New York Telephone. She was a 1952 graduate of VVS Central School and enjoyed monthly luncheons with her fellow classmates.She had a great love for all things musical -- especially singing in barbershop quartets and playing several instruments. She was an accomplished pianist and was offered acceptance to the Juilliard School of Music for bassoon. She was an avid reader of novels and enjoyed watching Andy Murray play tennis.She devoted her lifetime to her extended family and will be greatly missed.Jean is survived by her husband, Gerald and sisters, Connie Spanja and Phyllis Tuthill; three sons, Martin (and wife Nancy), James (and wife Valerie), Thomas; two daughters, Christine Samson (and husband John), Karen Motyka (and husband Matthew); ten grandchildren, Kevin Peterson, Kelly Bensol, Elsie Samson, Robert Samson, LeighAnn Peterson, Michael Peterson, Adam Peterson, and Caitlin Peterson, Matthew Motyka, and Emily Motyka; five great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son David, her sister Helen, and brothers James and Richard. Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, Oct. 13 from 4-7 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home, 23 Front St., Vernon. A brief prayer service will follow calling hours. Condolences may be sent to www.maleckifuneralhomes.com.