Mary L. Petersen (nee Ward) of Gages Lake, Illinois passed away on April 16, 2026 following a short illness.

Mary was born on April 3, 1958 in Waukegan, Illinois to Wendell Ward Sr. and Milly Kozina Ward. On September 9, 1989 she married Paul Petersen, Sr. of Waukegan, Illinois and lived and raised a family together in Gages Lake, Illinois for over 36 years.

Prior to retirement, Mary worked for many years at Hewitt Associates in Lincolnshire, Illinois as a Documentations Specialist and also at Ducks Unlimited in Long Grove, Illinois as an Administrative Assistant. Mary loved the neighborhood she lived in her entire life, was an avid reader and read countless books over the years and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, particularly on the holidays. Mary also loved dogs and had several over the years, most notably a black labrador retriever named Ranger. What Mary loved the most though was spending time with her beautiful granddaughter Vera who always brought a smile to face.

Mary is survived by her husband Paul Petersen, Sr. of Gages Lake, IL; son Paul Petersen, Jr. (Faith Feinberg) of Wildwood, IL; granddaughter Vera Jane Petersen of Wildwood IL; sister Dorothy (Duane) Usa of Havelock NC; brother Jerry (Carla) Ward of Gages Lake, IL; sister-in-law Shirley Ward of Beach Park, IL; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Wendell, Sr. and Milly Ward; half brother Wendell Ward, Jr.; and half sister Ann Olson.

A celebration of Mary's wonderful life will be scheduled at a later date.