Loretto May Peterson

Loretto May (Reynolds) Peterson, 97, of Rockford, IL, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in her home. She was born on May 7, 1928, in Rockford, the daughter of Thomas J. and Marie Ellen (Hennessey) Reynolds. Graduate of St. Peter Elementary School in 1942, Bishop Muldoon High School in 1946 and Webster College (now Webster University, Webster Groves, MO) in 1950. She married William C. Peterson on August 18, 1951, at St. Peter Church (now Cathedral of St. Peter) in Rockford. Loretto taught at Church Elementary School in Rockford and Harrison, and Stephen Mack Schools in Winnebago County. Lifelong member of the Cathedral of St. Peter parish and active in parish ministries such as St. Anne Society who honored her as their “Woman of the Year” in 1999. Also assisted with funeral luncheons and Home and School Association. She was past President and Parish Office assistant where she recorded the sacramental information for many years. Requested by Msgr. Schwartz in 2007, she chaired a committee that compiled a history of St. Peter's parish consisting of facts, organizations, events, people and memorabilia, both in written and electronic form. She enjoyed cross stitching and gifted many birth, graduation, marriage, and ordination pictures to family and friends commemorating these special events and the annual Christmas ornaments to replace cards decorate many trees of family and friends. At least three generations of family have personalized Christmas stockings as a reminder of her knitting hobby. Survivors include her husband, William, 74 years; children, Marie I. (John) Kodadek of Herndon, VA, Anthony R. Peterson of Machesney Park, IL, Timothy J. Peterson of Santa Rosa, CA, Lucille A. (John) Pixler of Winnebago, IL, Christopher L. (JoAnne Bonavia) Peterson of Rockford, Terrence W. Peterson of Rockton, IL, Kevin C. (Judith) Peterson of Memphis, TN, James E. (Maribeth) Peterson of Rockford, and Helen K. Peterson of Rockford; grandchildren, Jonathan (Stasia) and Kevin Kodadek, Christine (Joseph) Schrom, Andrea (Daniel) Kutz, Matthew (Nicole), Benjamin, William, and Robert Pixler, Marissa (Dave Lyons), and Jack (Casey) Pilcher, Ryenn (Kevin) Andreassi, Mary, Michael, Logan, Sean (Heather), Caurie, and Zachary Peterson, Jeremy (Marta) Goodson; great-grandchildren, Colette, Caden, Mackenzie, and Lucas Kodadek, Jordan, Mackenzie, and Molly Schrom, Kimber, Barrett Kutz, Alannah, Gavin, and Noah Pixler, Rory, and Adelaide Lyons, Anna, and Reid Pilcher, Dominico, Luca, Violette, and Caris Peterson, and Aiden Goodson; several nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by her parents; sisters, Sister Ellen Thomas, SL, Sister Leo Marie, SL, and Sister Helen Ann, SL; brothers, Thomas J. Jr., and Edward Reynolds. The family would like to give a special thank you to Patrice, Nahomy, Ashley, and Mary for their care and support.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 North Church Street, Rockford, with visitation from 10:30 a.m. to service time. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago, IL. Visitation also from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the family home, 717 John Street, Rockford. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.