Martha Mary Peterson, 96, of Rockford, IL passed away on January 11, 2021. Daughter of the late Harry and Martha (Weber) Way she was born on Tuesday, April 8, 1924 in Madison, WI. She married the love of her life, Kenneth M. Peterson on Friday, April 7, 1944 at St. James Catholic Church in Madison, WI. Martha is loved and will be deeply missed by her sons, Donald James Peterson, Thomas Richard Peterson, Patrick Lee Peterson, Joseph Edward Peterson; daughters, Barbara (Bruce) Hartman, Martha Jean Vandersteeg, Judy Marie (Ken) Seyller, Elizabeth (Lee) Anderson, Kathleen Marie Peterson; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; brothers, Paul Way, Roy Way; sisters, Rosemary (Dick) Charmly, Joan Bultman; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Martha; beloved husband, Kenneth; several sibings. There will be a visitation from 9:00 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Belvidere, IL. A funeral mass will begin at 11:00 A.M. at St. James Catholic Church in Belvidere, IL. Memorials can be made to St. James Catholic Church in Belvidere, IL for masses to be said in her name.