Virginia Peterson

1935 - 2015

VIRGINIA L. PETERSON, 79 MACHESNEY PARK - Virginia L. Peterson, 79, of Machesney Park, beloved daughter, sister, mother and friend, was embraced by our Lord on Sunday, July 26, 2015. Virginia, known to family and friends as "Ginny", was born August 14, 1935, in Rockford, the daughter of William and Hilda Linnea (Forberg) Hall. She grew up in the Rockford area and graduated from East High School. Virginia married Norman Neal Peterson on June 10, 1955, in Rockford, and together they had four daughters. She was a longtime member of First Evangelical Covenant Church. Filled with compassion and interest in others, Virginia made friends easily and maintained contact with many. She was an active homemaker for many years and as her children grew, she began working outside of the home - first at Geri's Hamburger's and later at Warner Lambert, where she remained employed for over 20 years. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, vacationing in Florida and Las Vegas, going on riverboat casino trips, Sunday night bingo, visits to Ho Chunk, attending concerts and shows, and spending time with her pets. Of everything she did, the greatest has been the impact she has made in the lives of everyone who knew her. She had the unique ability to recognize and appreciate the talents in others, and to make them feel loved and lifted through her words and by her presence. Her creative mind, kind heart, and brilliant smile allowed her to make everything from the lessons she taught as a Girl Scout Leader to a simple story shared with a grandchild, sparkle. Her generous heart filled our home with love, fun, and inspiration, including an attitude that there was always room for everyone and everything. She leaves her family and friends with the knowledge that they were truly loved. Survivors include daughters, Wendy (Don) Heidenreich, Jill Curry, Kristi Peterson and Lisa Estrada; grandchildren, Lesley (Curt), Sean, Alexandra, Jacob, Cassidy, Eddy and Chase; great-grandchildren, Micaiah, Alainah and Madalynn; sister, Babe Stonewall; brothers, Lloyd "Lefty" and Carl "Georgie" Hall; sister-in-law and best friend, Sharon Peterson and her daughter, Lori (Troy) Semenic; and several fond nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Predeceased by parents; husband; brothers, Burleigh and William Hall; and sister, Ruth Hultgren. The family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors at SwedishAmerican Hospital and Palliative Care for their loving care and support. A Celebration of Life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2015, at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 316 Wood Road, Rockford, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to service time. The Rev. Peter Dibley will officiate. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in her name. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., Loves Park. For more information, visit delehantyfh.com.