Mary Jo Peterson

Mary Josephine Baroski Peterson, age 95, passed away on Sunday the 18th of November, 2012. Mary Jo was born on the 25th of September, 1917 to Josephine C. Koh Baroski and Albert J. Baroski in College Station, Texas. She was raised in Houston, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell A. Peterson and her sons Gerald R. ‘Tito’ Peterson and Ronald J. Peterson. Mary Jo is survived by her sons, Ralph R. Peterson and wife La Trelle Peterson, Paul R. Peterson and wife Cheryle Peterson, Donald B. Peterson, her daughter Mary Christine Peterson and daughter-in-law Shirley Peterson, grandsons Christopher T. Workman, John Russell Peterson, Paul R. Peterson Jr., Timothy Peterson, Todd Peterson, granddaughters Kristen C. Peterson, Dana C. Malek, Jennifer Workman Alexander, Rebecca Peterson Westercom and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Albert Baroski.

Mary Jo was in the Reagan Redcoats at Reagan High School. She attended Beauty College, the University of Houston and practice as a beautician. She was chosen as a beauty for the Texas Centennial Parade. Mary Jo married Russell A. Peterson in 1940 and moved to Sulfur, Louisiana for eleven years. While in Sulfur, five of her six children were born. She was known for her style and lovely hats. The family moved to Hunters Creek in 1951 where Mary Jo was active in the Wildwood Garden Club, Canasta Club, Craft Club and den leader for cub scouts and girl scouts.

She was a charter member of St. Theresa’s Church where she was active in the altar society and church choir.

Mary Jo was known for her oil paintings, flower arranging, cooking, and crafts. She could play anything by ear on the piano. Mary Jo was a gracious hostess and loved entertaining her family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 23, 2012 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell Street, Houston, Texas on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas.