Eleanora R. Peterson, age 96, passed away October 28, 2017. Born in Kenosha to Salvatore and Raffaela (Cosentino) Chiappetta, she graduated in 1939 from Kenosha Central High School. She married Eugene Lee Peterson of Lunds, WI in 1947 in Kenosha's Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and settled in Milwaukee where she operated Ma Peterson's Realty before retiring to Lunds. Her husband preceded her in death on August 13, 2014.
Eleanora was a co-founder of Milwaukee Mothers of Twins Club, a Girl Scout leader, and Commander of Unit #22 Shawano County of DAV Auxiliary for 19 years. She especially enjoyed teaching second graders flag etiquette, riding in parades in their 1930 Model A, visiting the casino, and telling fortunes (which did not help at the casino). Always willing to help, she loved many special friends, too numerous to list, and no matter by which alias they knew her - El, Ellie, Chips, Ma, Mom - that love was returned.
Eleanora is survived by her children, Susan Peterson Neuhaus, John (Ann), Bruce (Jill), and Brian; her grandchildren, Robert, Daniel, Cole, and Brett; sister, Roma Cesario; sister-in-law, Arlene (Peterson) Grunewald; the Aiello family and Sam Ruffalo; many nieces, nephews, godchildren, special cousins, and friends; as well as her poodle, Darby. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years; her parents; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary (Cyril) Marsden, Elaine (Robert) Pinzger, Eletta (Thomas) Guider, Lydia (Frank Judeikas) (Joseph Kluka), and Guido Cesario; niece Rita Judeikas Floryance; and son-in-law, Dr. Robert Neuhaus.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 11:00AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano, WI. Chronically late throughout her life, she will be on time for her own funeral. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church. Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
Published in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on November 3, 2017.