Mary C. Peterson, age 93 of Virginia died Saturday, February 23, 2013 in the Virginia Regional Medical Center. She was born January 10, 1920 in Virginia, the daughter of Ernest and Carmella (Divizio) Lucarelli and was a graduate of Virginia High School. Mary enlisted in the Coast Guard's Women's Reserve {SPARs} during WWII and was proud to serve in its Drum & Bugle Corps. She marched behind the Funeral Caisson of President Roosevelt, played drums for Admiral Nimitz's homecoming parade, and attended a high tea at the Whitehouse by the invite of Eleanor Roosevelt. She married H. Victor Peterson on April 22, 1949 and was a lifelong Virginia resident. At age 46, Mary went back to school to become a nurse. She graduated at the top of her nursing class, and was president of her graduating class. Mary was a member of the woman's performing group," The Looney Tunes", a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and its Women's Guild, the Northern Club Woman's Auxiliary, and the sewing club. She loved to sing and dance, was an excellent cook, proud of her Italian heritage, and saw good in everyone. Mary was a "people-person" who lit up the room when she walked in. She enjoyed being at Lake Vermilion and cherished time spent with her family.

Mary is survived by children: Kathy (Tony) Zavodnik of Soudan, Steve (Chris) Peterson of Lake Vermilion-Tower and Frank ( Janet ) Peterson of Virginia; grandchildren: Joel Martinson, Angela Zavodnik, Joseph (Angela) Zavodnik, Kelly (Wes) Zavodnik, and Katie (Eli) Zavodnik; great-grandchildren: Connor Dudek, Mariah Moberg, Nathan Pepworth, and Isabella Zavodnik; brothers: Albert Lucarelli, Edward Lucarelli, Rocci (Carol) Lucarelli, and Richard (Lynn) Lucarelli all of Virginia; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family; and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: H. Victor Peterson; and seven brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 27, 2013 from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Virginia. Reverend Father John O'Donnell will celebrate the Mass. Interment, with military honors accorded by the Virginia Serviceman's Honor Guard, will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Visitation 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. ,Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
601 12th Street North Virginia, MN 55792
Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m. ,Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
601 12th Street North Virginia, MN 55792
Interment 12:15 p.m. ,Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Calvary Cemetery - Virginia
1110 North 9th Street Virginia, MN 55792
Military Honors Accorded by Virginia Servicemen's Honor Guard