Arlene J. Peterson (nee Rippa), age 91 and a former resident of Joliet, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 4 in Reading, Pennsylvania as a result from complications of the COVID virus. She is survived by her children Shirley (John) Williams, James (Karen) Peterson, and Jeanette Davito and her brother Walter (Joan) Rippa. She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd, her parents James and Eileen Rippa, and a brother Harold. Arlene is also survived by her grandchildren Neil (Janet) Issa, James (Naomi) Issa, Jennifer (Matthew) Dorsey, Matthew (Upohar) Peterson, and Kristin (David) Craft and six great grandchildren. Arlene is a past Worthy Matron of Joliet's Marguerite Chapter of Eastern Star and a past Worthy High Priestess of White Shrine. She was a longtime employee of the Joliet's MedPro Answering Service. Due to the COVID virus, Arlene's children will view her privately and interment will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park. A special thank you to the nurses and staff of Berkshire Center who took such special care of Arlene – especially during the recent weeks of lockdown and isolation from her family. They are not only heroes during this dreadful pandemic, but they are family to those patients who are separated from their loved ones. Daily communication and opportunities for FaceTime with family were just two of the many ways they served their patients.