SARAH “SALLY” PETERSON

Sarah “Sally” Peterson, age 97, of Maple Park, IL, passed quietly into the arms of her Savior, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family, Tuesday, February 27, 2024. She continues to love and care for her family and friends from above. She was born January 28, 1927, in DeKalb, IL, to loving parents, John and Sadie (Coyne) McMenamin.

Sally grew up in DeKalb and attended local schools. She worked alongside her mother at St. Mary’s Hospital in DeKalb, caring for patients with a full heart and a warm smile. She also worked as a pin setter at Recreation Bowl.  After her mom passed away when she was 15, Sally moved in with her first cousin near Shabbona before moving to Gurler Rd. just south of DeKalb. Sally graduated from DeKalb High School in 1945 while also working at DeKalb Agronomy. 

Sally was a senior in high school when she met Robert “Bob” Peterson at the Roller Rink in DeKalb.  That was the beginning of a lifetime of “skating double”.  They were wed on March 22, 1947, and settled on the family farm. Sally was a proud band parent and member of the Mother’s Club. She was a great promoter of Bub and The Boys, a local band, when it came time to raise money for the high school band. Fruit cakes were also sold and despite the tepid response from many, Sally sold so many, it was thought she could have made a fortune selling cars instead. No sales pitch was needed when it came to her rice pudding, however, and her pumpkin squares were unparalleled. Beef tip noodle casserole’s, fried egg sandwiches, liver and onions were all staples on her table and much enjoyed by her family. Sally made an art of doing so much with so little, and she did it effortlessly. Family was always raised on a pedestal, and she was never happier than when they could all gather for the holidays. The “day” didn’t matter, as many celebrations were moved to a date in which everyone could attend. Sally could always be found in the stands for every game rooting for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “No” or “I can’t make it”, was never in her vocabulary, though you’d get a dose of it if you told her she couldn’t go cheer the loudest. Celebrating every win, home cooking and holiday sweets that overwhelmed the senses, combined with the bittersweet memories of her legacy, will be cherished by generations.

She is survived by 4 sons: Jim (Linda) Peterson, Larry (Cathryn) Peterson, Kevin (Linda) Peterson, Dohn (Carla) Peterson; 9 grandchildren: Jodi (John) Diehl, Carrie (Trey) Herrmann, Ted (Heidi) Peterson, Rhonda (Ron) McConkey, Todd (Sarah) Peterson, Kelly (Jim) Wituk, Scott Peterson, Adam (April) Sobieray, and Connor Peterson; 21 great grandchildren: Drew Diehl, Josie Diehl, Sarah (Shane Streit) Diehl, Delia Diehl, Lena Herrmann, Will Herrmann, Logan McConkey, Grant McConkey, Isabelle McConkey, Justin Peterson, Boe Peterson, Luke Wituk, Jack Wituk, Ben Wituk, Abby Johnson, Reed Peterson, Lillie Peterson, Emryn Peterson, Ryan Peterson, Grady Holland, Gracelynn Sobieray; many nieces nephews, cousins and a countryside of friends.

She is preceded by her parents, her husband Robert “Bob” Peterson, two brothers: John and Ross McMenamin and a daughter-in-law, Kathy Peterson.

Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A funeral service to celebrate her faith will be Monday, March 4, 2024, at 10 a.m., with visitation from 9-9:45 a.m., at Salem Lutheran Church, 1145 Dekalb Ave., Sycamore, IL, 60178. Interment will follow at Gardner Cemetery, Maple Park, IL.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Sally’s name to benefit both the Salem Lutheran Church and Maple Park and Countryside Fire Department. Checks may be made to the “Sarah Ann Peterson Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A funeral service to celebrate her faith will be Monday, March 4, 2024, at 10 a.m., with visitation from 9-9:45 a.m., at Salem Lutheran Church, 1145 Dekalb Ave., Sycamore, IL, 60178. Interment will follow at Gardner Cemetery, Maple Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Sally’s name to benefit both the Salem Lutheran Church and Maple Park and Countryside Fire Department. Checks may be made to the “Sarah Ann Peterson Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.