LATHAM - Rosemarie Mary Peterson, 92, of Latham, wife of the late James B. Peterson, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Saratoga Hospital.

Born on October 17, 1933, in Ravena, New York, Rose was the beloved daughter of the late Benedetto and Mary (Paretta) Cacckello. She spent the majority of her life in Latham, where she built a home centered on faith, family, friendship, and kindness.

Before her marriage, Rose worked as a proofreader for General Mutual Insurance. She later devoted herself to raising her family as a homemaker, while also becoming a familiar and trusted babysitter to many neighborhood children over the years. Her warmth, patience, and caring nature left a lasting impression on countless families.

Rose found joy in life's simple pleasures. She adored her granddaughters, loved to sing and dance, and treasured the lifelong friendships she cultivated throughout the years. She especially enjoyed attending Zumba classes with her dear friend, Phyllis, and participating in Red Hat Society events. A gracious hostess, Rose took tremendous pride in maintaining a welcoming home where family and friends always felt at ease. Breakfast was her favorite meal, and many cherished memories were made gathered around her table.

In her later years, the family found great comfort in the compassionate care Rose received from the staff at the Home of the Good Shepherd. Their kindness, dedication, and genuine affection became a true blessing, and they will always be remembered as an extension of her family.

In addition to her late husband of 39 years, James, who passed away in 2005, Rose is predeceased by her parents, Benedetto and Mary Cacckello; her sister, Elizabeth Oatman; and her brothers, Tony, Benny, and Frank Cacckello.

She is lovingly survived by her children, James (Sandra) Peterson, Melissa (Steven) Zygmont, and Scott Peterson; her daughter-in-law, Julie Peterson; her cherished granddaughters, Sophie Peterson, Lily Peterson, Samantha Zygmont, and Amanda Zygmont; her brother, Frank (Nancy) Deegan; her sister-in-law, Dianne MacFarland; her cousins, Fran Farrell and Madeline Mortefolio; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives she touched throughout the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rose's family on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow in the main church at 11:15 a.m., celebrated by Reverend Thomas Fallati. Interment will follow alongside her beloved husband, James, in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Rose's memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham. For directions, additional information, or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.