Rosemary Petersen-Elijah

Rosemary Peterson-Elijah, 73 of Cottonwood, AZ, died on Saturday, October 15, 2014 as a result of a car accident in Phoenix, AZ. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 22, at 1:00 p.m. at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls, MN with Father Joseph Herzing officiating. A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at the funeral home the day of the service.

Rosemary Rosie Carol Ann Wagner was born on November 18, 1940 to Clara Marie (Iverson) and Valentine George Wagner in St. Paul, MN.Ronald, Priscilla, Noel, Kathleen and Rosemary lived with their parents on the East side of St. Paul, MN at 1212 E 7th Street. Their family life revolved around family, friends and religious activities. They enjoyed 3M picnics, traveling and participated in many church festivals and religious grottos. They shared many celebrations, holidays and family vacations with extended Wagner and Iverson families in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Rosie attended Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School. She was a member of the Girl Scouts of America and enjoyed playing piano. She attended three high schools; St. Francis DeSales in St. Paul, MN, Our Lady of Peace in St. Paul, MN and graduated from St. Francis High School in Little Falls, MN in 1957.

Rosemary joined the Order of Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Little Falls, MN in 1956. She was given the name of Sister Mary Yolanda. She received her nursing degree from St. Gabriels School of Nursing in 1964, and then attended St. Catherines College in St. Paul, MN for one year. As Sr. Yolanda, she worked at the St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge, MN for the next 5 years. In her own words, she described her decision to leave the Order as, It is only with great gratitude and respect that I left the convent on June 15, 1969 and became a lay Christian and started another journey.

In 1982, she attained her Certificate of Anesthesia Education from St. Marys Hospital School of Anesthesia in Minneapolis, MN. As an Anesthesiologist, she worked at the Ramsey County Hospital in St. Paul, MN, Mounds Park Hospital in St. Paul, MN, Midway Hospital in St. Paul, MN, Verde Valley Medical Center in Cottonwood, AZ and Prendeville eye Center in Cottonwood, AZ. Rosemary was also a Lieutenant in the Minnesota Air National Guard and served as a flight nurse during the Vietnam war.

Rosemary married Harry Peterson on January 20, 1970 in Minneapolis, MN. Rosie and Harry had their son, Jon Peterson on June 13, 1971. Harry Peterson died on May 12th, 1985. On August 18th 1989, Rosie married Roger Doc Elijah at the Fort Snelling Chapel in St. Paul, MN. In 1991, Rosie and Doc moved to Cottonwood, AZ and enjoyed 25 years of marriage there.

Rosie was very proud when her son Jon joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1991 and became a pilot. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Computer Science; he also graduated from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School with a diploma in Finance and Accounting in 1997. On March 16, 1992, Jon married Susan Page in Tucson, AZ. Jon and Susan made Rosemary a grandmother when they had Jon Alex on February 23, 1994. They doubled her joy with the addition of a granddaughter , Alyssa, on March 27, 1998.

Rosie enjoyed gardening, sewing, horses, motorcycle rides and traveling. She was quick with a smile and a laugh. She was a dedicated and loving wife, soft hearted mother and grandmother. Rosie is survived by her husband of 25 years; Roger Doc Elijah of Cottonwood, AZ; son Jon and Susan Petersen; grandchildren Alex (Jon) and Alyssa Petersen of Bristow, VA; brothers, Ron Wagner, Noel (Kathy) Wagner of St. Paul, MN; sisters, Priscilla (Rose) Wagner of Benicia, CA and Kathie (Jack) Kane of Brainerd, MN.