Mari Helen Peterson, age 69, of County Road 509, P.O. Box 254, Rapid River, passed away Monday, January 22, 2007 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba with her loving husband by her side. She was born April 25, 1937 in Aurora, Illinois to William V.J. and Dorothy (Gerlach) Cassidy. Mari attended and graduated from Rapid River High School in 1955.
She married First Sergeant Winston M. Maggart on June 20, 1960 and he preceded her in death on July 18, 1968. She married Jerome H. Peterson on August 23, 1980 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Rapid River.
Mari was a life-long resident of Rapid River and was very proud of it. She was very active in the community. She was on the Memorial Day Parade Committee and the Queen Coordinator for 22 years. She was also one of three members who helped organize the Rapid River Memorial Day Scholarship and was the 1991 Grand Marshall for Memorial Day. She was Past-President of the Walter W. Cole American Legion Auxiliary #301 in Rapid River. She was a Rapid River Lioness charter member, Past President and Treasurer; a Lions Club member; Masonville Township Recreation Board, Past President; and helped with the volunteer food program with Community Action Agency for 23 years, for township senior citizens. Mari organized girls
Anonymous
Mari Helen was our nextdoor neighbor for many years, a good customer at my folk’s grocery store, and a fellow parishoner at St. Charles Borromeo church. She was always full of life – the Energizer Bunny in real life. She had a zest for living. She was always helping others, usually behind the scenes without much fanfare. Her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was tested over her years of life, and she always came through with stronger faith than before the testing. Please accept our sincere and deepest condolences. She was one in a million – and was one of the big reasons that Rapid River is the great little city that it is.
The Morins
Kentwood, MI
I just wanted to send my sympathy to all the family. It is so difficult to lose those we love even when we have the hope of joining them in Christs beauty. May your wonderful memories keep you full of the joy of your Mother and Grandmother.
Betty Petonquot LeMarble
Sheridan, MI
Nell,
I am sorry to hear about your mom, she was a great lady. when she came to Battle Creek, she would always make us laugh. Take care, Dave and I are thinking of you and the family.
Christina Kellner
Battle Creek, MI
Dear Jerry and family,
I know all of us at OSF RT department will miss Mari and the special ways she had. I always had a good feeling whenever I was around her, she had a great gift for people. I know how devoted she was to the Lord and she had no fear in showing it. Thanks for the honor of getting to know and care for her.
Peggy Pryal
Escanaba, MI
Jerry and family,
Our deep sympathy to you and your families.
Mari certainly will be missed by all of us as we sit around the fire and talk about the kids and grandkids and of course Jerry with his fix all, his tar.
She loved you all very much and spoke of you often.
In Love and Friendship
Dale, Fran and all of the Up North Foxes
Pittsville, WI
My deepest sympathy to Jerry and Mari’s children & grandchildren. Her memory will remain in my heart. She will be missed by all she touched.
Shirley (Schroeder) Olson
Green Bay, WI
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I wanted to let you know the thing I will remember most about your mom is over the years when our paths would cross,we would always update each other on family, have a hug, and she would always smack me in the back of the head and say”thats for later brat,cause I know you need it”…….I’ll miss her
Tom Seymour
Rapid River, MI
Dear Jerry and Family,
We were sorry to learn of the passing of Mari Helen. She was an institution in Rapid River and truly loved her community and involved herself in those activities that would work to make it a better place to live. Know of our prayers and blessings at this very difficult time. God bless you always…….Deacon Bill and Chetti Green, Sauk City, Wisconsin
Deacon Bill and Chetti Green
Sauk City, WI
At times like this, words are inadequate, and as you know I was seldom very wordy. However, I do want you to know you are in our prayers in your time of sorrow. May the Lord comfort and lead you through these difficult times.
Glenn and Leona Williams
Escanaba, MI
Please convey this condolence to Jerry Peterson and family regarding the passing of Mari
We love you as family. The Lord is my sheperd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside the still waters. I fear no evil. I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalms 23
Dear Lord, please prepare a table, and with thy rod and staff comfort us, as you lead us to paths of rightousness for your name’s sake, Blessed be Your Name, and Blessed are those who enjoyed Mari’s company.
Paul and Peter Strom
Escanaba, MI
My deepest sympathy to Jerry and the family. I’m
thankful that I was able to meet Mari and so many of you in the past 2 years
Oleda Alvey
Gladstone, MI
Jerry and family…My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I know she will not only be deeply missed by your family but by all the lives she touched in Rapid River. May God’s blessing be with you all. I believe she will be smiling down upon you all forever!
Tami Strand
Minneapolis, MN
My deepest sympathy Uncle Jerry. I think I speak for us all in saying that Aunt Siss will truly be missed, she was a great person!
Andrew Johnson
Green Bay, WI
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you,you have our deepest sympathy for your loss of Mari.
Dale and Linda McNamee
Escanaba, MI
My deepest condolences to the Peterson family. I graduated with Dodie in 1990 and remember Mrs. Peterson as a kind woman always willing to pitch in to help with school projects. She was part of what made Rapid River such a great town in which to grow up and will be missed by all those who knew her or enjoyed the activities she coordinated.
Nancy Barr
Houghton, MI
Jerry and family. We send you our deepest sympathy and have you in our thoughts and prayers.
With friendship and love,
Dave & Carol (Majestic) Collegnon
Escanaba, MI
I remember my mom Peggy Gorence talking about her cousin Mari in the UP and then being able to spend some time with her this past fall was wonderful…My mom truly enjoyed her time with her and Jerry…My mom is really going to miss her…You are all in our thoughts and prayers…She was a wonderful woman.
The Gorence Famile
Detroit/Traverse/Rapid River, MI
Jerry…. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and Mari Helen’s family during this difficult time. May God give you the strength to make it through the days ahead. We sincerely appreciated the times that you and Mari Helen stopped by and visited my parents during their illnesses. You two brightened their day.
Rick & Karen Lancour
Rapid River, MI
My Deepest sympathy To you on your loss. I am so glad that we got to see you both when we came up to Michigan. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Mary L. Weiks
Fort Wayne, IN
Dodie and Family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time, God Bless.
Renae & Duff DeFiore
Gladstone, MI