Constance Peterson

Constance 'Connie' Lee Peterson, 78 ROCKFORD - Constance "Connie" Lee Peterson, 78, passed away after a brief illness. Born July 19, 1932, to Irvin and Twyla (Jory) Kaltenbach in Rockford. Attended Kishwaukee School and was always proud to be a "Kishwaukee kid" with fond memories of her grade school classmates. Graduated in 1950 from East High School, where she was a varsity cheerleader. In 1951, she was honored to be selected as Miss Rockford and was first runner-up in the Miss Illinois Pageant. She married the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Peterson on April 3, 1954, in Trinity Lutheran Church. Together they raised two loving sons, Jeff and Curt. Connie worked for many years in women's fashions at Rockford Stevens, Village Vogue and Ditto's Sportswear before retiring in 1994. Connie and Dick loved cruises, especially in the Caribbean, but their most memorable vacation was a two-week driving trip to New England during the fall foliage season. A special memory was having tea with Maria Von Trapp while staying at the Von Trapp Lodge in Stowe, Vt. But Connie was most proud of her family, Dick and Jeff, for their community theater work and Curt's long association with the popular Moonlight Jazz Orchestra. She is survived by husband, Dick; sons, Jeff of Chicago and Curt of Rockford; cousins, Ron and David Schmidt and Gloria Mower, all of Belvidere. Private service has taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to Hospice Care of America, 3815 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61114. Arrangements by Christenson Funeral Home & Crematory. For more information, visit rockfordfunerals.com.