Carolyn Lucinda Peterson-Clarke

Carolyn L. Peterson-Clarke, one of the foremost experts in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation, died April 10, 2024, at home after a lengthy illness. She is survived by her husband, Carl Clarke, daughters Victoria Louise Peterson of St. Louis and Valerie Lyn Peterson of Abingdon, and grandchildren Rick Levi Borro, Rose Louise Peterson and Faith Lyn Peterson. Known professionally as Carolyn L. Peterson, she had served people with serious mental illness for 50 years in four states: New Jersey, Missouri, California, and Virginia. She had been president of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA), won its prestigious John Beard Award, and was one of the first five PRA Fellows elected by her peers in the profession. In retirement, she had chaired PRA's International Committee.

Ms. Peterson was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner. She had earned recognitions from the Certification Commission for Psychiatric Rehabilitation of the United States PRA, the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Social Work, the joint psychosocial rehabilitation associations of the United States and Canada, and People Incorporated, among numerous others.

Ms. Peterson earned an undergraduate degree in international relations from Stanford University (1960) and a master's degree from the University of Missouri School of Social Work (1967).

She was a talented artist and interior decorator, loved to travel, and passed her appreciation of foreign cultures along to her children. Before her illness, she loved attending Abingdon's College for Older Adults.

Memorial contributions may be made to made to Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, 212 E. LaSalle Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at a later date to be determined. Interment will be a private family service.