In Loving Memory of Carla Anne Peterson

Carla Anne Peterson, of Vienna, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 22nd, 2026, at the age of 84. She will be remembered for her extraordinary kindness and generosity, qualities that touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Born on November 1st, 1941, in Hartford, Connecticut, Carla grew up an avid reader with a sense of wonder and a spirit for adventure. She was a leading soprano in her church choir and graduated from Canton High School in 1960. After high school she attended college and received a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Connecticut. Later she worked for the Army for 3 years as an activity coordinator stationed in Germany, planning and organizing trips and activities for US troops across Europe. After her time with the Army, she decided to remain in overseas and live in Spain to study. Upon returning to the US, she continued her love of learning, completing her master’s degree in Education at the University of Hartford.

Carla was pursuing a teaching career in Washington DC when she met Eric Peterson, to whom she would become engaged while in Nicaragua and traveling across South America. They were married on October 20th, 1973. A few years later, in 1979, she completed her master’s degree in Anthropology at Catholic University; she and Eric began a family the next year in 1980 with the birth of their first son, Lars, and two years later gave birth to their youngest son, Ian, in 1982.

Carla found great joy as a mother raising a family and in her work as a teacher at the State Department, where she could continue her love of traveling with teaching assignments across the globe, from France to Sweden, Syria, Yemen, Korea, and more. When not traveling for work, she focused on family and spent 3 years working as the Religious Education Director at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Washington DC.

Carla embodied charity and compassion throughout her life. She gave to numerous international organizations, sponsoring children in South America and Africa for over 60 years, as well as multiple wildlife organizations working to save rhinos, elephants, and gorillas. Her generosity extended to all those she encountered, helping family members, friends, and strangers alike with whatever assistance she could.

Her compassion also impacted many people whom she never knew. She was a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, first acting as a volunteer for VA Cure and later, after she retired from the State Department, becoming VA Cure’s director where she advocated tirelessly for prisoner rights and lobbied for sensible policies.

She loved trying new and interesting food, reading and singing to her children and grandkids, Scandinavian dancing, relaxing to soft music, watching murder mysteries, and baking cookies at Christmas.

Carla is survived by her brother, David, and his family; her beloved husband, Eric; her sons, Lars and Ian; and her grandchildren, Kenza, Lincoln, and Harper. She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and countless others whose lives were made better by her kindness, generosity, and unwavering compassion.

A service to celebrate Carla's life will be held at 2:00 on November 8th, 2026, at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church 1500 Harvard St. NW Washington DC, 20009. The service will be followed by light food and drinks in Pierce Hall. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Carla’s life and memory to share a story or fond remembrance of her, or to make a donation to a charity of their choice.

Carla's life was a testament to the power of kindness, the importance of curiosity, and the difference one person can make in the lives of others. Her generous spirit, adventurous heart, and enduring compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.