Constance (Connie) Peterson Wild of Red Bank passed away peacefully Feb. 12, 2024, at age 92, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness. She was born April 1, 1931, in Kearny to Edith (Pierson) and Gustaf Peterson. She was the big sister to Vivian (Peterson) Skaar.
Connie grew up in North Arlington where she lived until she met the love of her life, William (Bill) Merritt Wild III. Connie and Bill were married in 1951 and moved to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where Bill was stationed with the United States Marine Corps. Connie and Bill started a family shortly thereafter, had four children, and eventually settled in Old Bridge.
After raising her children, Connie began a career at New York Life Insurance Company as a claims adjuster. She soon rose in the ranks and began traveling around the United States conducting new employee training, a role in which she took great pride.
A loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, she was loved by all who knew her. She was affectionately called “Bubbles” by her grandchildren, a name embodying the whimsy and happiness she felt around her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were the joys of her life.
Proud of her Swedish heritage, she was an enthusiastic lifetime member of the Vasa Order of America. Volunteering and socializing with her fellow Vasa members led to life-long friendships and memories. She passed her love of all things Swedish to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Swedish dancing, Swedish Christmas traditions and other elements of Swedish folklore.
A devout Lutheran, she was most recently a parishioner at Luther Memorial Church in Tinton Falls.
She spent much of her free time volunteering for various organizations, including Riverview Medical Center and the Visiting Nurse Association, where she was a frequent fixture at the VNA Showhouse and Holiday House Tour.
Most recently, she resided at the Atrium at Navesink Harbor in Red Bank, continuing to make good friends and immerse herself in her community. She will be missed by all who knew her.
She was predeceased by her cherished husband William M. Wild III. She is survived by her loving children, Lynn Spector (William) of Rumson, Kathy McQuillan (Charles) of Tinton Falls, Kim Wild (Eileen) of Middletown, and Keith Wild of Jackson; her seven doting grandchildren, Jesse Spector (Maryam), Alyssa Spector, Brad Wild, Elizabeth McErlean, Samantha Whalen (Timmy), Charles McErlean (Bridget), and Jonathan Wild; her six darling great-grandchildren, Alex, Lily, Andrew, Mackenzie, Tessa and Merritt; and her sister and best friend Vivian Skaar. She was also predeceased by her loyal son-in-law, Thomas M. McErlean.
Always in our hearts – i våra hjärtan.
A celebration of life was held March 2 at Navesink Country Club, Red Bank.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Connie’s honor to VNA Health Group, Attn: Philanthropy Office, 3600 Highway 66, Neptune, New Jersey 07753.
This article originally appeared in the March 7 – 13, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
