MARY C. PETERSON

Mary C. Peterson, 93 of Virginia died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 in the Virginia Regional Medical Center.

She was born Jan. 10, 1920 in Virginia, the daughter of Ernest and Carmella (Divizio) Lucarelli.

She was a graduate of Virginia High School. Mary enlisted in the Coast Guard's Women's Reserve {SPARs} during World War II and was proud to serve in its Drum & Bugle Corps. She marched behind the Funeral Caisson of President Roosevelt, played drums for Admiral Nimitz's homecoming parade, and attended a high tea at the Whitehouse by the invite of Eleanor Roosevelt.

She married H. Victor Peterson on April 22, 1949 and was a lifelong Virginia resident. At age 46, Mary went back to school to become a nurse. She graduated at the top of her nursing class, and was president of her graduating class. Mary was a member of the woman's performing group," The Looney Tunes", a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and its Women's Guild, the Northern Club Woman's Auxiliary, and the sewing club. She loved to sing and dance, was an excellent cook, proud of her Italian heritage, and saw good in everyone. Mary was a "people-person" who lit up the room when she walked in. She enjoyed being at Lake Vermilion and cherished time spent with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband H. Victor Peterson; and seven brothers and sisters.

Mary is survived by children Kathy (Tony) Zavodnik of Soudan, Steve (Chris) Peterson of Lake Vermilion-Tower and Frank ( Janet ) Peterson of Virginia; grandchildren Joel Martinson, Angela Zavodnik, Joseph (Angela) Zavodnik, Kelly (Wes) Zavodnik, and Katie (Eli) Zavodnik; great-grandchildren Connor Dudek, Mariah Moberg, Nathan Pepworth, and Isabella Zavodnik; brothers Albert Lucarelli, Edward Lucarelli, Rocci (Carol) Lucarelli, and Richard (Lynn) Lucarelli all of Virginia; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family; and a host of friends.

VISITATION: 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013 until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Virginia. Reverend Father John O'Donnell will celebrate the Mass. Interment, with Military honors accorded by the Virginia Serviceman's Honor Guard, will take place at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

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