Obituary of Rosalie Bernadette Peterson

Feb. 11, 1938 – Feb. 20, 2016 Rosalie passed peacefully with her loved ones at her side after a courageous battle with cancer. She is the daughter of Ken and Marie Matthews, born in London, Ontario, at the Bethesda hospital, the fifth of six children. She is predeceased by her parents, sister Gloria, and brothers Ken (Sam) and Don. Rosalie had four children from her first marriage, Tom (Meg), Marie (Hiro), Lisa (Phil), and Don (Dana). Nanna will be sadly missed by all of her grandchildren: Derek, Craig, Elizabeth, Tess, Bailey and Tristan; great-grandchildren Amaya and Gavin; step-daughter Kim (Steven Arnezeder) and their children Ryan and Samantha. She leaves behind her sisters Linda (Steve) and Elayne (the late Chuck). Rosalie leaves behind her husband of 43 years, Jim Peterson. Rosalie had a life-long love of needle work and was very proud of the clothes she made for her girls and her grandchildren. Her dolls were a favorite of all who received them and she took great pleasure in making them for family and friends. She was an avid reader and follower of current events. Rose was a lively and articulate conversationalist who lived by the rule, “treat others the way you would like to be treated”. She passed on her love of sports and physical activity to all her children. Christmas was a special time of year for Rose going so far as to get a job in a year round Christmas store during her time in Florida. Life-long friends Mary Cameron, Loretta Prue, and Gwen Hunt all met in grade school or at one of her first jobs at Bell in London. “The Ladies” made her retirement in London a happy one and their love and care for her up until the end was a testament to their true friendship. Rosalie was very close with her cousins and extended family here in London. Her niece, Roz, was a favourite who gave much comfort to Rosalie at St. Joseph’s. She has always been a London girl at heart no matter where she lived and made it back when retirement time came. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff, nurses, volunteers, and Dr. Bishop at St. Joseph’s Hospice whose care made Rosalie as comfortable as humanly possible; thank-you all so much. The memorial service will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Saturday, March 5th, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Reception to follow. Interment will be held at a later date at Green Hills Cemetery in Lucknow, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Joseph’s Hospice in London or the Canadian Cancer Society. “May she find eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon her. The just shall live in everlasting remembrance; she shall fear no evil”.