Maureen Peterson

Maureen Peterson (nee Mee), 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 8, 2025. She was born and raised on the south side of Chicago and was the proud daughter of Irish immigrants. She met the love of her life, Ed Peterson, Sr., in the 4th grade, and they were married in 1950. Thus began a life of love and adventure following Ed’s military career across the United States, finally settling in Cutler Ridge/Cutler Bay in 1964 where they raised their five children.

In addition to being a full-time mom, Maureen was a creative and beloved volunteer with many local organizations including the Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the American Legion Post 133. A devout Catholic, she was a parishioner at the Church of the Holy Rosary/St. Richard for more than 60 years where she was a member of the CCW. She was also a talented catering manager, working for several of the elite country clubs in the south Florida area including Kings Bay Country Club, City Club, and Keys Gate.

A staunch supporter of all US Veterans, Maureen was the Executive Committee Member in charge of Veterans Affairs at the American Legion Post 133. Maureen was also the head of the Florida Girls State, a premier program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary that focuses on developing leadership skills, citizenship knowledge, and patriotism among high school girls. Also, every year she would dedicate her time to telling people the story and the meaning of the poppies for Memorial Day. This not only raised awareness about the meaning of Memorial Day but raised money for Veterans. This earned her the nickname of “the Poppy Lady”.

Maureen was also an amazing baker, which led to another one of her favorite nicknames, “The Gingerbread House Lady”. For over 30 years, she gifted hundreds of handmade gingerbread houses to friends and strangers alike. She loved seeing the joy the houses brought to people’s faces, especially the children. She also loved to make cream puffs, eclairs, key lime pies, and Irish soda bread for parties and bake sales—her creations were always the first to be sold.

Maureen had the natural ability of connecting with everyone she met. Every story they told her added another light inside that she carried with her until the end. She cherished her family and friends, and was a constant support to all who needed her– in good times and in bad. Her Irish heritage was very important to her. One of Maureen’s favorite memories was her trip to Ireland in 2013 for a huge family reunion where she got to tour the house her father was raised in, meet many extended family members and kiss the Blarney Stone.

Maureen is predeceased by her husband of 55 years Edward Sr., her parents Marie (nee Farley) and John Mee, her sister Patricia “Patsy” (Mannarelli), son-in-law Tracy Johnson, daughter-in-law Joann Peterson, and grandson Jake Canipe. Maureen is survived by her five loving and devoted children Edward Jr. (Chu), Deborah Peterson (Gary Woodard), Jim Peterson (Gabrielle), Dan Peterson (Silvia), and Lynn Pesavento (Tom), and her loving sister Peggy Zeinfeld. She was the proud grandmother to Tammi, Brandi, Kurtis, Kyle, Zach, Brandon, AJ, Amanda (Gardner Johnson),Clairee, Eric, Jason, Nikki and Jackie and great grandmother to Nate and Wilder. She also leaves behind sisters-in-law Mary Ann Brousch, Maureen Alzner, Dianne Peterson and brothers-in-law Victor Peterson and Joe Alzner. She will be greatly missed by her many cherished nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

A wake for Maureen will be held at the Stanfill Funeral Home,10545 South Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL on Monday June 16th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 p.m.

Mass of the Catholic burial will be said on Tuesday, June 17th at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary/ St. Richard’s Catholic Church, 7500 SW 152nd St, Palmetto Bay, FL. Following mass, the family will host a reception at the American Legion Marlin Moore Post, 133, 16401 SW 90th Ave Palmetto Bay. Maureen will be buried with her beloved Ed at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Maureen’s name to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital Research or the American Legion Marlin Moore Post 133.

“To grieve deeply is to have loved fully” Greg Miller