Margaret Mary Peterson

WALNUT – Margaret Mary Peterson, nee Packee, 90, of New Bedford, IL, passed away on January 22, 2021 in Walnut, IL. Margaret was born in Kewanee, IL, to Charles and Christine Packee on February22, 1930. She graduated from Wethersfield High School in Wethersfield, IL in 1948. Margaret worked as a legal assistant to Judge J.P. Wilamoski in Henry County until she married and moved to New Bedford.

Margaret married Richard Peterson in Kewanee, IL on February 20, 1954, and they made their home on a farm just north of New Bedford, IL. Maggie and Dick were blessed with four children: Joel (Peggy Brechon) Peterson of Rockford, IL, Chris Peterson of Colorado Springs, CO, Jeff (Barb) Peterson of Wyanet, IL, and Rita (Del Winters) Peterson of Sheffield, IL; who in turn blessed them with grandchildren: Greg Brechon, Kris Brechon Peterson, Tracy (Matt) Orth, Taylor Peterson, Tyler Peterson, Lauren Peterson, Brittany McReynolds, and Maggie McReynolds; and great-grandchildren: Ronnie Peterson, John Orth, and Colby Orth.

Maggie was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Walnut, IL, where for a number of years she taught Catechism classes, served as a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, a Lector, and a Eucharistic Minister. She also served on the board of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and was active in the Women’s Commission for Faith and Family. Maggie also served many years in the Bureau County Right to Life Organization, including as its President. Maggie was the recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (“For Church and Pope”), which is a decoration of the Holy See and is conferred for distinguished service to the Catholic Church by lay people and clergy.

Maggie also served many years as a polling place volunteer for Greenville Township in New Bedford, IL.

In her youth, Maggie was a member of the Girls’ Athletic Association, played softball with the Kewanee Merchanettes, was in cheerleading and band in school, and played for dances with her parents, as well as enjoyed performing with the Kewanee City Band for a few years after graduation. Maggie enjoyed roller skating, swimming, horseback riding, creating beautiful ceramic pieces, singing with the choir, creating beautiful quilts with the St. John’s Stab-N-Stitchers, taking some courses at Sauk Valley College, sorting corn, traveling to Colorado and San Antonio to visit family, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Maggie was preceded in death by her grandparents, Peter and Louise Gabriel, and Finance and Louise Packee; her beloved parents, Charles and Christine Packee; her beloved husband, Richard Peterson; and her beloved sister, Joan Packee.

Masks and social distancing will be in effect for a public visitation from 4:00-6:00pm on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Garland Funeral Home in Walnut. The Rosary will be recited at 6:00pm. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 204 N Main St, Walnut, IL, with Reverend Thomas Shaw officiating. Interment will conclude at Manlius Cemetery, South Second St, Manlius, IL. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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