Raphaela "Rae" (Campagnale) Peterson

1918 was quite an eventful year. The Spanish flu pandemic was raging, World War 1 ended, and Raphaela (Rae) Peterson was born! Rae entered this world on December 14, 1918, and left us on January 20, 2022, at the age of 103. She resided with her daughter since March, 2020, at the beginning of yet another pandemic, and died peacefully in her home with her daughter and son-in-law at her side.

Rae was born to Nicola Campagnale and Angelina Cimorelli Campagnale, the middle of seven siblings, all of whom predeceased her. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from New Utrich High School. While attending a USO Valentine’s Day dance at the Brooklyn Armory during the Second World War, Rae met her husband Earl Arthur Peterson. Avoiding someone else at the dance, she danced with Earl. They were married four months later, and were truly not only husband and wife, but best friends for 43 years until his death in 1986. After Earl’s discharge from the Army, they moved to Newark, NJ, where their daughter Joan Marie was born, followed soon after by a move to Irvington NJ, where their son Carl Arthur was born. Living in the small town of Irvington during the 50’s and 60’s and raising her family was truly an idyllic time for her, with much involvement in her children’s lives and school.

In 1978 they moved to Wilmington, DE, where Rae has lived ever since. She enjoyed many jobs throughout the years, especially working at the Kirkwood Highway Library, which leant itself to her passion of reading. She was also the evening secretary at St. John the Beloved Church, which she held for 18 years, and retired from at the age of 86.

Rae had many interests. Traveling and learning about different cultures was a favorite, with wonderful memories of Italy, (where she visited her parents’ birthplace), Paris, Germany, and Israel, (taking her grandson with her on this trip). Her many trips to California were favorites, as well as Santa Fe and Colorado. She loved them all. Rae learned to crochet during the great depression, when she made hats to earn family money. Crocheting became a lifelong hobby, and many homes are lucky to have a towel from her. Her favorite job of all was being a grandma to her six grandchildren. She volunteered at St. John the Beloved School in any capacity she might be needed, such as lunch or library aide. She attended every sporting event, graduation and ceremony her grandchildren were involved in, and there were many. She had a beautiful heart and always wanted to help. Rae also loved her days at Mid County Senior Center, playing bingo, dancing in shows, socializing with everyone, and traveling with the close friends she made at the Center.

Rae was predeceased by her husband in 1986. She is survived by her son, Carl Peterson and his wife Elizabeth, and her daughter, Joan Ayers-McGackin and her husband, Jerry, with whom she lived. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Dr Joseph Ayers (Sally), Christian Ayers (Jessica), Timothy Ayers (Rachael), James Peterson (Andrea), Lisa Duncan (Eric), and Thomas Peterson. She has eleven great-grandchildren. Rae also leaves her special nieces and nephews, who were such an integral part of her life with their calls and visits, always putting a smile on her face. Additionally, she will be missed by her grand-dog Choti, who is already missing all of the goodies she sneaked to him when she thought no one was watching.

Her family would like to extend a huge thank you to Age Advantage, especially to Pam Delack, for help over the past five years. We would also like to thank the angels of Seasons Hospice, especially Jenn Vestal, Theresa Newcomb, Rachel Nokes, and Paula Gallimore, for their caring support of Rae and her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00am on Friday, January 28, 2022, at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE, 19707, where a visitation will begin at 10:00am. Interment will follow immediately after at Hollywood Memorial Cemetery, Union NJ, where Rae will be buried next to her husband.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, masks are encouraged.

Mom, you were gracious, fashionable, beautiful and generous always, and we will miss you.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to Castaway Cats (castawaycatsde.com), 4 Christina Court, Bear, DE 19701, or to Mid County Senior Center, (midcountyseniorcenter.org), First Regiment Road, Sherwook Park II, Wilmington, DE 19808.

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