Marjorie H. Peterson

Marjorie Hiley Peterson, 97, of Rockford, IL passed away peacefully on February 10, 2021.

She was born on August 25, 1923 in Kankakee, IL, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Eckart) Commer. Marjorie moved to Rockford with her parents when she was 4 years old. She was a 1941 graduate in the first graduating class of the new West High School. She attended school at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS and attended Business College in Hot Springs, AR.

In 1949, Marjorie married John E. Peterson. John preceded her in death in September 2007. Prior to marriage, she had a wartime job as a billing typist and overseas shipping clerk with the Barber-Colman Company. In Arkansas, she worked as a service representative and then District Manager’s secretary for Southwestern Bell.

After she and John were married she worked as a legal secretary for several attorneys, and was a librarian at Spring Creek School. One of her real passions began when she became one of the original group of volunteers at the opening of the Midway Village Museum. She loved the museum and her work there where she worked on exhibits and artifact storage for 40 years, all as a volunteer, before retiring.
Her other passions were traveling and genealogy. She loved to travel to visit family and friends often making the long trips on her own. She thoroughly enjoyed finding out about her family lineage and traveled extensively, near and far to do so, all before computers (which she wouldn’t have used anyway!)

Our Mom was a strong, independent woman throughout her life. She stood up for what she believed in and was always there for her children and family. Her generosity and kindness were just two of her many traits. More than anything, she loved when the entire family was able to get together in town, at her house, with her and Dad. She was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She made all of our lives better and will be greatly missed.

Marjorie is survived by her sons, Thomas (Alison) Peterson, Nashville, TN; James (Christina) Peterson, Atlanta, GA; daughter, Jane (John) Hooker, Rockford, IL; grandchildren, Keegan (Ross) Huels, Atlanta, GA; Hallie (Geoff) Parmet, Zapopan, MX; Molly (Chad) Webster, Rockford, IL; Sadie Hooker (Benjamin Johnson), Rockford, IL; Lilah Peterson, Nashville, TN; Liam Peterson, Nashville, TN; great-grandchildren, Cash Huels, Cora Huels, Aurora Parmet, Archer Parmet, Scout Hooker, and Dutch Hooker; niece, Nancy (Crowell) Yokobori and great-niece, Jenny; nephew, Mark Peterson and brother-in-law, Richard Peterson.

The family would like to thank Ascension St. Anne’s for their kindness and loving care of our Mother, Marjorie

Cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Marjorie’s life will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Midway Village Museum or the Goldie B. Floberg Center.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com