Josephine Dorothy Peterson

Josephine "Aunt Josie" Peterson passed away on October 2, 2014, at the age of 95. She was born on February 16, 1919, into a family of ten children, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Aunt Josie was a "people person", and worked as a waitress until she was 71 years old; it was what the doctor ordered! She had a big smile, to match her heart of gold. From her early days in New Jersey, to her Florida bound move, in search of warmer weather, more smiles, and lasting friendships, she worked at some of the most famous hotels in Miami Beach, the "Beau Rivage" and the "Americana"; meeting many celebrities and always serving up a smile with their meal. She retired to Okeechobee, Florida, with her husband, John A. "Pete" Peterson, with the idea of "getting back to the quiet small town lifestyle", putting the hectic years of Miami and Miami Beach in the rear view mirror. Living in Okeechobee, they got to enjoy lazy days fishing from their pontoon boat, going to various flea markets and shops, cookouts with neighbors, friends, and family. Visits from friends and family, both local and from up north, always called for some kind of celebration. Volunteering at the Lady's Moose, and the DAV gave her much pleasure. She was loved by many, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Josephine was predeceased by her husband, Pete Peterson, of Clearwater, Florida, and her grandson, Jeffrey Brian Ratajczak, of Satellite Beach. She is survived by her son, Hank Ratajczak, and his wife Denise, of Satellite Beach; brother, Ted Wostanowski, and his wife Dolores, of Freehold, New Jersey; great niece Dorothy Dzubak, of Fords, New Jersey; and many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; Tiffany Stephens, and her husband, Brian, and their children, Kaitlyn and Kayden, of Viera, Florida, and Hillary Eubanks, and her husband, Matt, and their children, Brandon, and Tucker, of Palatka, Florida. Anyone planning expressions of sympathy is asked to consider a donation in Josephine's name to William Childs Hospice House, 381 Medplex Parkway, Palm Bay, Florida 32907. A gathering will be held Saturday, October 11th from 1 - 3 p.m. with a service to begin at 3 p.m. at Beach Funeral Home, Indian Harbour Beach.