Laura Ann Margaret Peterson

MADISON - Laura Ann Margaret Peterson, age 31, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 16, 2014. She was born on July 8, 1982, in Madison, the daughter of Andrew D. and Margaret A. (Ballweg) Peterson. Laura grew up in Madison and Oregon attending Blessed Sacrament Grade School, Oregon High School and Madison Area Technical College. Laura was an independent free spirit from the very beginning, always facing off with the traditional, trying new things and new ways. She challenged us all, and has taught all of us many lessons, during her brief time with us. We will continue to realize the lessons of her life even in her physical absence. In that way, her spirit remains alive in our minds and our hearts forever. There are no words to express how much we will miss her and how much we love her. Laura had a creative flair from drawing rainbows in permanent marker on her playroom walls to her extreme “wall art” in high school. She played piano at warp speed with a special talent. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping and boating. She traveled to Italy in 1995 with her sister and grandmother, and enjoyed trying as many new foods and experiences as she could. She was both bold in seeking new experiences and at the same time, reserved and shy in approach. She had many special gifts both known and unknown to her. In her own wonderful way, she loved and enjoyed her family, especially her daughter, Ariana. She was fiercely protective of those she loved. At the same time, her passion for fiery debate with those she loved was how she connected to us and how she forced us to grow ourselves just through knowing her. We are now lost to know how to navigate a “new normal” without her; her challenges and how she guided our lives. She is our daughter, grand-daughter, sister and mother, but mostly she was, and will always be……….. our teacher. Laura………you have always been…. and always will be loved. Laura is survived by her daughter, Ariana; sisters, Christina (Brendan) Shaughnessy, Marlena Peterson and Alexandra Peterson; brother, Drew Peterson; and her parents and her step-father Robert Einer-Peterson. She is additionally survived by her niece; Nora Shaughnessy; nephew, Mikael Tornblom; and her paternal grandmother Rosemary M. Peterson. There are many aunts, uncles and cousins who survive Laura and will miss her deeply. Laura was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Henry A. and Cecilia K. Ballweg of Fox Lake, Wisconsin; her paternal grandfather, John Peterson Jr.; and her great-uncle and great-aunt, Hermann and Annaliese Frahm of Madison. A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Friday, June 20, 2014. A time of remembrance will begin at 6 p.m. Friends and family are encouraged to bring stories in remembrance of Laura to share openly at this time. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Read more: http://host.madison.com/news/local/obituaries/peterson-laura-ann-margaret/article_4a51f39c-7a76-58dc-bf36-be3d2e71d8be.html#ixzz34ynd7Wbe Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608)442-5002