Kathleen M. Peterson, age 87, of Fishkill, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at The Taconic Rehabilitation and Nursing at Hopewell.

Born on May 5, 1938, in the Bronx, she was the daughter of the late Vincent Raduazzo and Winifred Yorke Raduazzo. Kathleen graduated from Monroe High School, Class of 1956 and weeks later married her high school sweetheart James D. Peterson. They went on to have four children together.

After finding herself single again at the age of 39, Kathleen grew into a fiercely independent woman who was known to change her own oil! We liked to call her a "Piece of Work" but she would quickly correct us and say she was a "Piece of Art"! A stubborn gal who embodied her astrological sign of Taurus the Bull. While working as a receptionist at State Farm Insurance, she embraced life fully and enjoyed many activities, including bowling, hiking, eagle watching, cross-country skiing, square dancing, traveling, and walks across the Bear Mountain and Newburgh-Beacon Bridges. She loved attending performances at the County Players and never missed a chance to dance and picnic at the summer concerts held throughout the Hudson Valley.

Kathleen was a frequent volunteer at the Paramount Theatre, Hudson Valley Hospital, and the Marion Guild. She cherished her weekly "Pizza Fridays" lovingly supplied by her son Kevin, and her sweet treats baked by her daughter Jeanne. Her favorite activity of all was "walking and talking." She affectionately became known at the Olde Post Mall in Fishkill as the "walking lady" to those that didn't know her and as "the Mayor" to those that did. She would take her long walks daily where she would enthusiastically (and often repeatedly) tell every person she met all about her four children and eight grandchildren. Kathleen also treasured her quiet time in her cozy apartment, where she worked on word-search puzzles and enjoyed her small lineup of favorite TV shows. Her well-known words of advice were, "Tomorrow is another day," and "Time heals all wounds, wounds heal." She never missed the chance to call each of us on our birthdays to sing "Happy Birthday" ("...and many more!") -a tradition that will be deeply missed.

Kathleen is survived by: Sons Kevin J. Peterson, (Anita) of Depew, NY and Steven Peterson (Alicia) of Glenmont, NY; Daughters Marianne Peterson-Anderson of Hopewell Junction, NY and Jeanne Fedun (Stephen) of Seymour, CT; Sister Marie Karr (Richard) of Middletown, NY; Brother Michael Raduazzo of Monroe, NY; Nieces Suzanne Fattorusso (John) and Randi Olsen; Grandchildren Caitlin Porter (Kris), Christian Peterson, Stacey Peterson (fiancé Andrew), Josh Peterson (Antigona), Haley Peterson, Tucker Anderson, Griffin Anderson; Shayna Anderson; Great Grandchildren Charlotte and Eliza Porter.

Kathleen was lucky enough to find love in her later years when she met Roger O'Dell of Forestburgh, NY who passed away in 2016.

Kathleen was predeceased by her parents Vincent and Winifred and her two brothers John and Francis Raduazzo, and her former husband and father of her children James D. Peterson.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Friday, March 20, 2026 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00am on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill, NY. Family and friends are welcome to join a celebration of Kathleen's life immediately following the Mass at the home of Kathleen's daughter, Marianne. Please email mareanderson19@gmail.com for directions.

Honoring with her wishes, Kathleen was cremated at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery and will be laid to rest beside her parents at St. Anastasia Cemetery in Harriman, NY at a date to be determined.