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On May 25th 1932, Mary E McLaughlin was born to Stella (Box) and Leonard McLaughlin on the family farm south and west of Elmwood.  Mary grew up in the Elmwood Area and has lived here all of her life except for 3 years.  Mary attended the country school called Center through 8th grade and then completed her Jr/Sr. high school years and graduated from Elmwood High School, Class of 1950.  While in high school she met the love of her life at a Roller Skating rink party.  She was married to Merlin "Pete" Peterson on July 20th 1951 at the Elmwood Christian Church.  Pete was enlisted to serve in the Korean War and Mary continued to live in Elmwood where she worked at the Elmwood Grocery Store, now the Community Center, with Ted Hall, owner of the store.  After Pete returned from service they moved to Syracuse and lived there for 3 years and then moved back to Elmwood, living with Mary's mom while building the home where she continued to live for many years after Pete's passing.

Mary started back working for Ted and the Grocery store while raising a family of three children, Debra, Thomas, and Donald.  Later on, Mary attended a business school and started working for Bankers Life of Nebraska, now called Ameritas, where she retired in 1993 after 27 years of service.

Mary was a life time member of the Elmwood Christian Church, a Charter member of the Modern Mothers Club of 60 years, a member of the Elmwood American Legion Auxiliary Unit #247, serving in many roles of Office positions, a Girl Scout Leader and many other activities for the family.

The joy of her life was her husband Pete and kids and then the Grandkids and then she became a Great Grandma.  The joy of traveling with Pete to many different areas in the United States but mostly South Padre and Arizona.  They loved to go to movies, play cards with friends, trips to the Casino's (not always winners but a day of entertainment with good food)  but most of all, dancing - where they took tickets for Greg Spevak and his band for many years.   After they both retired, they continued to work at Grandpa's Woods Golf Course, which they called their 2nd home.  They loved to golf, working together, being with people and especially with people like Donna and Rex Clements (owners) who treated them like mom and dad.   They worked there for 20 years with so many friends to remember.

Those left to cherish her memories are daughter Deb (Coleman) Lenz, sons Tom and daughter-in-law (Kathy) Peterson, and Don and (Patti) Peterson.  She had 8 wonderful and talented Grandchildren, Carae (John) Oehlerking, Cassie Dubas, Cory (Moriah) Lenz, Aaron (DeAnne) Peterson, Chad Peterson and Kelly O'Toole, Nathan (Jenn Haeg) Peterson, Nick (Allie) Peterson and Dustin (Ashley) Peterson.  Her special friend and companion Auggie, her loving Dog.   Also, 19 Great Grandchildren, ages 24 to 2.     Many nieces , nephews, friends and neighbors.
Proceeded in death by parents, husband Pete, 3 brothers, Bob (Alma) McLaughlin, Howard (Hanora) McLaughlin, Dale (Verna) McLaughlin and 1 Sister Eula (Delor - Babe) Swarts.   Several really close friends whom she loved dearly and loved to go out with and play cards.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 27 at 2 p.m. at the Elmwood Christian Church. Casual dress is requested. Burial will follow at the Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 26 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. all at the Elmwood Christian Church.

Memorials are suggested to the Elmwood Christian Church, Elmwood Cultured Center or the Elmwood Fire & Rescue Dept.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Elmwood, NE

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com