Rosemary Peterson

Rosemary (“Rosie”) Peterson died on Sunday September 18, 2022, in New Glarus surrounded by the love of her family.   Although she was born and lived in Madison most of her life, she had lived in the New Glarus area with her son and son-in-law Andrew and Robert for the last 7 years.

Rosemary was born in Madison Wisconsin to Joseph and Sebastiana (Tusa) Montalto.  She grew up in the Greenbush area which was rich in the Italian culture and traditions.  She was very proud of that heritage and culture.  She was a middle child among 9 siblings.  She attended St. Joseph’s Catholic grade school and Central High School. Later, she went on to work at Oscar Mayer and Co. in Madison for 37 years as a meat packer.   After her retirement from Oscar Mayer, she enjoyed continuing to work in various jobs in the food service industry.  Later in life, she enjoyed her activities with Sports Active Seniors (SAS), playing golf and lunching with all the “older ladies”, of which she never considered herself one.  She loved her aerobic exercise and then later chair exercise classes at the Fitchburg Senior Center.  She was colorful in her relationships with the staff and her friends at the Senior Center and loved them all.

On January 31st, 1945, she married the love of her life, John Peterson Jr, who was a Navy man from Delta Colorado.  They had 4 children, Toni Marie, Josephine, John J. (Pete-o) and Andrew.  Together they raised their children with discipline and love.  She worked hard to provide and offer to all her children as many of the advantages in life as she could.  For that we are forever grateful to her.

She was tough physically, and mentally through many of the adversities of her life and lived a long, long life as a result.  Her long life was a gift to all who loved her.

She is survived by her daughter Toni Marie Peterson of Madison, son John (Susan) Peterson of The Villages in Florida and her son Andrew (Robert) Einer-Peterson of New Glarus Wisconsin.  She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Andrea Bambrough, Daniel (Staci) Bambrough, Christina (Brendan) Shaughnessy, Marlena (Robert) Koenig, Drew (Matthew) Prenli, Alexandra Peterson, Michael Peterson, and Kelly (Dan) Cromwell.  Her precious great-grandchildren Ariana Peterson, Nora and Brynn Shaughnessy, Mikael Tornblum, and Korie Anderberg also survive her.  She is also survived by her dear sister Mary Hinze and by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She especially valued her relationship with her cousin Ernie Tusa.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband John in 1993, her beloved daughter Josephine Bambrough, and her granddaughter Laura Peterson.  Her siblings Maria, Josie, Paul, Francis, Sam, Joe, and Carmella also preceded her in death.

Our thanks to the staff of the New Glarus Home where she resided for the last 6 weeks.  Their kindness to mom and the family will never be forgotten.

We also owe an enormous debt of gratitude to all at Agrace Hospice, especially Lindsey (RN) and Megan (Social worker), who tended so lovingly to every detail, insuring as much comfort as possible for mom and our family during her journey.

Finally, a very, very special thank you to Dr. Valerie Gilchrist (UW Health-Belleville) who was mom’s personal physician for many years.  You guided us in such a loving way through all of it.  Your immeasurable caring and support as she approached end of life will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday September 21, 2022, at the Cress Funeral Home 3610 Speedway Rd in Madison.  A rosary will be prayed starting at 6:45 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday September 22, 2022, at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church at 1905 West Beltline Hwy in Madison.  There will be a visitation immediately preceding the funeral at 10 a.m.  A graveside committal will be at the Resurrection Cemetery in Madison following the funeral mass.  An Italian style luncheon will be held in the Community Room at Cress Funeral Home on Speedway Rd immediately following the graveside service.  Please join us in remembrance of this wonderful lady.

La luce che tu dai
I pray we'll find your light
Nel cuore resterà
And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarci che
When stars go out each night
Eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c'è
When shadows fill our day

Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace.   To a place where we’ll be safe

Until we meet again Mother