Rose Peterson

Rose Marie was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 29, 1957 to Emile and Joan DesRoches, the youngest of 5 children. She went to be with the Lord on July 1st, 2016. She is survived by her sons Garth (Karen) Peterson and Allen Peterson, her brother Joseph (Jan) DesRoches and sisters Susanne (Bob) Sperback, Dianne Morey and Carol (Don) Thiele, many nieces and nephews and her longtime companion Alan Saloh. Rosie attended St. Michael's grade school, then went on to graduate from Cardinal Ritter High School in 1975, and attended IU University for a year where she met her husband Ken. They left Indiana moving to Michigan because of his job, then years later to California for a new job opportunity for Ken. In 1997 Rosie and the boys moved back to Indianapolis where she lived until her death. Although fighting a battle with cancer, she didn't let that stop her. Rosie had a zest for life up until the end, making sure she packed in as much as she could. Her last days were spent with family and friends. She went to a niece's wedding, a friend's daughter's bridal shower, dinner with an old friend, a high school reunion picnic and the last event, an Engagement party for her niece/Godchild. She never wanted to give in or give up. Rosie was a devoted Colts fan, attending lots of Colts events, especially loving it when she won tickets to the games. She would dress up in all her Colts gear, and then when watching at home she would have her stuffed Colts animals by her side. She also loved dressing her pets in their Colts gear. Rosie did a lot of volunteer work, on the One America Mini 500, giving directions to participants. As the Indianapolis Chapter person for the PKD foundation she set up meetings and the fundraiser walk. With the Super Bowl Committee, she helped set up and be in the half time, and pre and post-game shows. While working the one here in Indy she was Interviewed on TV, about her job helping give out information and directions to the Super bowl attendees. When her boys were growing up she was very involved in all their activities such as a den mother for the scouts, assisting with Allen's little league team and attending all her son's events. Then when Garth joined the band at Ben Davis, she led the band boosters planning events and fundraisers, allowing her and the band to go to Hawaii. She loved her family so much and would do anything for them. She spent as much time as she could with her nieces and nephews, taking them places, reading to them, buying little things for them, just showing them unconditional love as she did with all she came in contact with. Rosie was very proud to have won a trip to Greece, from a home based company she worked for, that she took with her husband. She made numerous friends throughout her life, enjoying their company, many who have continued to stay in contact with her. Rosie worked at One America for years until her health started interfering with her being able to do her job. She retired early. Never wanting to stop or give up, tried doing her own business but her health again got in the way. She would do sewing and embroidery projects with her sisters, selling what she could. She also babysat to earn extra money. Rosie lived a full life, short as it was, she made a big impact on those she met and loved. With her little giggles, her strong faith and her determination, she was an inspiration to all. The family would like to thank the many caregivers who cared for Rosie, such as the staff at the Cancer center at Community East Hospital and the Hospice staff from Heart to Heart, who cared for her on her last days.