Thelma M. (Carlson) Peters

Thelma M. Peters (Carlson), age 86, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2023, at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington. 

Thelma was born on February 18, 1936, in Wakefield, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late Simeon and Gertrude Carlson and one of twin girls that were their parents pride and joy.  Thelma was raised and educated in the Greenwood section of Wakefield and a graduate of Wakefield High School with the Class of 1954. Thelma went on to further her education at Burdett College in Boston.

Thelma married “her sweetheart” Bruce Peters in October of 1965; the couple built their dream home in Wilmington and moved in that following November.  Thelma and Bruce shared more than 50 years together, raised a beautiful family, and had many great times before his passing in January of 2017.

Thelma loved her new home and neighborhood; she quickly became involved with her new community and made many long-time friends.  Thelma’s family was always her priority; she was a devoted wife, mother, and “grammy”.  Thelma showered her family with love; she was a great role model, a good listener, and was always there to lend a hand.

Thelma’s door was always open to family, friends, and neighbors; she was continuously  “baking up a storm” and delivering baked goods to her neighbors.  Thelma kept a beautiful home inside and out; it was very warm and welcoming within and outside her yard and gardens were pristine.  She and Bruce enjoyed spending time in their yard, and grew flowers and vegetables in abundance.

Thelma also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and was an extremely talented seamstress.  Throughout the years, she sewed clothes for herself and her daughter Kristen, and often crocheted gifts for family and friends.   

Prior to retiring, Thelma worked as a Career Counselor for the State of Massachusetts; she thoroughly enjoyed her job and loved the people she worked with.  Thelma’s expertise and great people skills made her quite an asset and a favorite co-worker.  Thelma taught her clients how to create a great resume, how to conquer an interview, she was diligent in helping them job search and was successful in career placements for many.  Thelma had a “can do” attitude and encouraged her clients and co-workers to do the same.  Thelma also never missed a birthday or special occasion with the office staff and always showed up with a homemade cake or their favorite baked goodies that she “whipped up” just for them.

Thelma was always sharing her time and talents with her family, friends, and the community.  She was a member of the Eastern Star and a Past Worthy Advisor as well as a volunteer and leader for the Rainbow Girls.  She often volunteered in her children's classrooms, was a Brownie Troop Leader, and served as the secretary for the Board of Trustees at Wilmington Public Library for more than fifteen years.

Thelma will be fondly remembered as a “wonderful lady”; she was strong, independent, loyal, practical and “did what it took” to get the job done.  She also had a great sense of humor, she was kind, and very caring towards everyone she met.  Thelma’s love and devotion to her family and friends was evident in everything she did; she will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Thelma was the beloved wife of the late Bruce A. Peters, devoted mother of Eric Peters & wife Sandra of Pelham, NH and Kristen Forrest & husband Haegan of Reading. Loving “Grammy” of Molly & Zachary Peters and Aiden & Owen Forrest. Cherished daughter of the late Simeon and Gertrude (Anderson) Carlson, dear sister of the late Harry Carlson and her twin sister the late Selma Carlson.

Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Sunday, February 19th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. followed by a Service to Celebrate Thelma’s life at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Thelma’s memory to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA  01844.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com