BARBARA J. PETERSON

BARBARA J. PETERSON, 65 MACHESNEY PARK - Barbara J.

Peterson, 65, of Machesney Park died at 7:42 p.m. Thursday, Jan.

7, 2010, in her home after a courageous battle against lung

cancer. Born Nov. 7, 1944, in Rockford, the daughter of William F.

and Doris Wood Eckhardt. Graduated from East High School in

1963. Married Lonnie G. Peterson on Oct. 7, 1966, in Rockford.

She was employed at Hamilton-Sundstrand for 29 years. Barbara

was a friendly, outgoing, humorous woman. She enjoyed antiques,

crocheting, playing bingo, and loved her dogs, Tuffy and Tink.

Survivors include her daughter, Dawn Hodyniak (Aaron Johnson);

granddaughter, Stephanie Hodyniak; brother, Jean (Rose) Eckhardt; sister-in-law,

Darlene Peterson; brothers-in-law, Robert and Carl (Nancy) Peterson; her special

friends, Petie, Maria, Becky, Jennifer and Karen as well as Michael (Barb) Hodyniak.

Predeceased by her husband Oct. 27, 2004; her parents; and sister-in-law, Betty. The

family would like to thank the caring nurses and staff from OSF Saint Anthony Medical

Center, OSF Cancer Care Center and OSF Hospice for their loving care. Also, a special

thank you to the owners and staff of Spring Garden Restaurant for the kindness and

nurturing that was always extended to Barbara. Service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday,

Jan. 14, 2010 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S.

Mulford Road, Rockford, with Chaplain Ed Greenfield officiating. Burial in Arlington

Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, in the

funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Condolences

and memories can be shared online at www.fitzgerald fh.com.