Mari Helen Peterson, age 69, of County Road 509, P.O. Box 254, Rapid River, passed away Monday, January 22, 2007 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba with her loving husband by her side. She was born April 25, 1937 in Aurora, Illinois to William V.J. and Dorothy (Gerlach) Cassidy. Mari attended and graduated from Rapid River High School in 1955.

She married First Sergeant Winston M. Maggart on June 20, 1960 and he preceded her in death on July 18, 1968. She married Jerome H. Peterson on August 23, 1980 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Rapid River.

Mari was a life-long resident of Rapid River and was very proud of it. She was very active in the community. She was on the Memorial Day Parade Committee and the Queen Coordinator for 22 years. She was also one of three members who helped organize the Rapid River Memorial Day Scholarship and was the 1991 Grand Marshall for Memorial Day. She was Past-President of the Walter W. Cole American Legion Auxiliary #301 in Rapid River. She was a Rapid River Lioness charter member, Past President and Treasurer; a Lions Club member; Masonville Township Recreation Board, Past President; and helped with the volunteer food program with Community Action Agency for 23 years, for township senior citizens. Mari organized girls’ softball in Rapid River in 1970 where she also coached for 8 years. She was a Rapid River Sports Boosters member and Past President. She was a founding member of “Save the Old High School”, serving as secretary and treasurer and volunteered in the library and at sporting events at the Rapid River High School.

She was also a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Rapid River where she served on the Parish Council for 8 years, head of the C.C.D. program for 8 years and was also involved with community service, the offertory, ushering and an altar server.

Mari was an avid Rapid River Sports fan and enjoyed shopping and going to the casino. Mari was the center of her family. Her greatest love of all was for her husband, Jerry, her kids and most of all her grandchildren.
 
Including her husband, Jerry, she is survived by:

3 Sons: Thomas (Cindy) Maggart of Rapid River; Frank (Karen) Maggart of Rapid River; Micah Maggart of Fenton, MI

2 Daughters: Nell (Aleck) Green of East Leroy, MI; Dodie (Craig) Micheau of Rapid River

12 Grandchildren: Mari Jo and Patrick Green; Angelena, Francis Winston, Tricia and Trina Maggart; Zachary, Hannah and Cassidy Micheau; Shirley and Eric Bizeau; Elisha Stemick

A great granddaughter: Isabella Morin

Also a great grandchild due in March

2 Brothers: Hugh Michael (Betty) Cassidy of Redford, MI; Paul Schram of Rapid River

A sister-in-law: Molly Cassidy of Gladstone

Numerous nieces and nephews
 
She was preceded in death by her first husband, First Sergeant Winston M. Maggart, her parents, William and Dorothy, step-father, Paul Schram and a brother, William F. Cassidy
 
There will be private family services as per Mari’s request. Mari will be laid to rest in Rapid River Cemetery in the spring. The Peterson family is being assisted by the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County.