We would like to extend our warmest thanks to the entire Harvard community for their outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. The list of people who deserve thanks is nearly endless: the neighbors and emergency crews who helped at the accident scene; those who cleared away the debris from our yard; friends who visited at the hospital and rehab; those who organized the candlelight vigil; students who painted and planted at the rock; everyone who made and floated cranes on the pond; the students that planted the tree for Jessie; Sharon Chandler who opened her studio to Jessie’s classmates; friends who called, brought meals, sent flowers, and expressed condolences; townspeople who opened their homes and provided meals for our out-of-town family and friends; the school and administration for allowing us to use the school for the service; the Gala committee for postponing the event to a later date; and all those who shared their thoughts, talents, and words of inspiration, making Jessie’s “celebration of life” service and reception so beautiful. To all of you, our hearts are forever touched by your friendship and generosity.
Additional thanks to the staff who cared for us at UMass, the kindness of Jay Turchetta and the staff at Whittier Rehab, and the gentle and comforting care of Charlie Perry and the folks at Badger Funeral Home.
We’d like to extend special thanks to John Greene and Ed Frackiewicz for donating their time and expertise in setting up a scholarship fund in Jessie’s name and organizing the basketball fundraiser. Our thanks as well to those who participated and donated at the event.
Our fondest gratitude to Alex Sprague for helping to modify steps and railings in our home to allow Betsy to manage in the coming months. Special thanks to Andy Bollman and Ted Noyes for holding Eric up and getting him out of the house for the past three weeks.
Our heartfelt thanks goes to Kelly Bollman and Debbie Noyes for their tireless efforts in helping to arrange every detail for the beautiful services as well as our home support. Thanks too, to Sue Brandom for creating and maintaining the family support website which allowed so many people to feel and stay connected.
The overwhelming response of the entire community during our family’s most difficult time has touched our lives and hearts forever.
Our deepest thanks to all for helping us when we needed you to hold us up.
Betsy, Eric, and Beck Peterson
East Bare Hill Road
