GETZVILLE, N.Y. — Fran Petersen's hobby of making greeting cards has kept her very busy in the 25 years since she retired from teaching, but even more so during the long lonely days of COVID.
"I was never bored. I always had something to do. And people would call me because they couldn't get out to buy cards, so they would call and order cards," said Mrs. Petersen.
The 86-year-old spends time nearly every day in her Getzville home making cards for every occasion.
"I can sit for hours and do it and it doesn't bother me. I love doing it," she said.
Birthday, thank you, get well, sympathy, blank cards, Buffalo-themed cards - you name it. Each one is handcrafted, unique and made with tedious detail.
Her most popular cards include glued on flowers that she grows in her garden and dries and presses herself.
They are truly little works of art.
Each card has a sticker on the back telling the recipient that it was sold for charity. Every penny Mrs. Petersen makes goes to the local chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and a group called Women Interested in Cystic Health, which in turn sends its donations to the lung center at Oishei Children's Hospital.
"I have a dear friend- we've known each other for over 50 years- she lost her son to cystic fibrosis. The district of North Tonawanda also lost two teachers to that. So it was a perfect choice," said Mrs. Petersen, who taught elementary school in North Tonawanda.
Since she started keeping track in 2000, Mrs. Petersen says she's donated $127,000.
With stores selling some greeting cards for as much as $8 apiece, Mrs. Peterson is adamant to never raise her prices. Each card is just $1.50, and 4 for $5.
"I know I'm a lot cheaper, always was, than the stores. But I enjoy doing it and people will buy more if the prices are right and they know it's going to charity," she said.
Mrs. Petersen and her husband pay out of pocket to buy most of her materials, so she's always grateful for donations of craft materials, cardstock, envelopes, etc.
If you want to donate to Mrs. Petersen's card crafting cause or order a custom card you can contact her below. Or we have a list of the stores where you can purchase a one-of-a-kind card.
Contact Fran Petersen:
121 Woodshire North
Getzville, NY 14068
(716) 689-0747
cardlady765@gmail.com
Find her cards at the following stores:
4588 N. Bailey Ave.
Amherst, NY 14226
77 Main Street
Akron, NY 14001
Sheridan-Sweet Home Plaza
3328 Sheridan Dr.
Amherst, NY 14226
88 Webster Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
700 E. Robinson Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
The Little Chic Boutique
Evanstown Plaza
414 Evans St.
Williamsville, NY 14221
6094 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
To see more "Good Neighbors" featured on Channel 2 News, click the links below. To nominate a "Good Neighbor" to be featured on Channel 2 News, email Melissa.Holmes@wgrz.com.
