Peterlin was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on 9 August 1914. Throughout her life, she worked various jobs, including a bartender and, during World War II, making tractor wheels for Ford. During the Prohibition, she reported that she would help to dispose of alcohol her mother produced if the police asked questions.
Peterlin had two children, son Kim and daughter Candy. As of her 107th birthday, she had three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was visited that day by two local police officers and a Coast Guardsman, with whom she enjoyed a half-hour chat. Her great-niece claimed that Peterlin’s secret to longevity was to avoid men. She has never voted in any presidential elections.
Peterlin passed away at Smith’s Mill Health Campus in New Albany, Ohio, USA, on 4 September 2024, at the age of 110.
Peterlin’s age was verified by Fabrizio Villatoro and validated by LongeviQuest on 18 August 2024.