Deiedre L. Peterson (DeeDee)
November 14, 1952 - January 11, 2020
A warm summer night on the patio, jazz playing in the background and a plate of sun-ripened tomatoes. That’s how you would find DeeDee at her happiest. This could only be followed by digging in the dirt to create beautiful flower pots and arrangements, or time spent with her grandchildren.
Deiedre (DeeDee) Peterson passed away on Jan. 11, 2020 in Salt Lake City. She was surrounded by friends and family until the end.
DeeDee cherished spending time with her family and many friends. Despite the recent onset of ALS she loved nothing more than gardening, and nature’s gifts from her beloved backyard. Meals with her husband and many friends brought her endless joy, as she was the true extrovert in the family.
DeeDee was raised in Salt Lake City, but had the opportunity to also live in Hawaii. She attended West High School and the University of Utah. She worked for 25 years at University Hospital, where she made many friends and had the remarkable ability to remember everyone she met and could tell you a bit of their life story.
After retiring, she and her husband, Randy, the love of her life, began a great adventure that was cut too short. They loved to travel together, having visited San Francisco at least a dozen times, and it remained a special place for them. They also visited New Orleans on two occasions, took a train ride up the Pacific Coast and traveled to Greece. As in all things, her love of food and people were on display. We only wish she had the opportunity to see so many other places they had dreamed of experiencing.
DeeDee is survived by her husband of 45 years, Randy, who was her partner in all things. They loved going to jazz concerts, having breakfast at their favorite restaurants, where they knew all of the staff by name and who became a part of their extended family. She is also survived her children, Amanda (John), Kelli (Erik), and Pete. Her grandchildren brought her so much joy in their individual spirit and of whom she loved to share stories and photos. She delighted in the adventures and shenanigans of Hannah, Noah and Michael.
Her family will miss her constantly, but especially on warm summer nights, when they find themselves outside. Her whimsical decorating for Halloween and Christmas and will be sorely missed. She created as much magic inside during the winter holidays, as she cultivated in her garden during the warmer months.
We wish to express our gratitude for the wonderful care she received from the people at Capitol Hill Senior Living and her hospice staff.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, Jan. 20, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking.
In Loving Memory
Dee was an important part of our lives for many years. She befriended Gregg, mentored him, and helped him reach his potential! He would not have gotten where he was without her. She spoke so often about her family. Please know how much you were loved. Our deepest condolences to you all who her loved her so greatly! She will be missed greatly! Gregg & Shannon Boseman
My sincere condolences to you and your family, Randy. Peace be with you.
My sincere condolences Randy and family. I am so sorry to hear of Dee's passing. I worked with Dee for years and truly loved her! She always had a smile for you, made you feel very special, and excitedly shared her life and loves! Randy and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Blessings and love, Wen
Randy and Family Nancy and I were so sorry to learn of Dee’s passing. She was one of the most positive people I ever met. I’ll remember her smile. She always seemed to be happy. Know you are in our thoughts.
Sorry for your loss, Dee was an amazing person and to have known her was such a gift. I feel so blessed to have had her as my friend. She is now in peace.
Dear Randy and family, So sorry to read of DeeDee's death. Fred (her fist cousin) and I always wanted to come and visit. Deiedre and her Mother came to our wedding in Minnesota in 1972. Over the years we kept in touch with Deiedre via mail and internet. She was dearly loved by her aunt Ann, who died in March, 2019. Our prayers are offered for her and her family. May she rest in peace.
Dear Randy and family, I am so very sorry to read of Dee’s passing. She was such a delightful and caring person, friend to all. My sincere condolences.
Dear Randy and family, My sincere condolences to all of you. I was thankful to get back in touch with Dee through Facebook, we were able to share some photos and stories of early days in school. I don’t have to tell you she was a wonderful person who will be missed. Denise
Dear Randy and family, I am so sorry to read of Dee-Dee's passing. My condolences to you and your family, and friends. She was a wonderful kind person. I will miss her. It sadden me.--Louise
Oh, Randy, I am so sorry! I didn't get to know Dee very well, but in the short time I did know her, I could not help but lover her. She was a ray of sunshine in my life, just as I am sure she was in everybody's who knew her.
Randy, I don’t have the words. Dee was one of a kind - truly one of the most caring and loving people I’ve known. Both Jane and I were thrilled when you guys came up and we had dinner. The only person I know with a bigger heart is you. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences, old friend. I am so sorry for your loss.
That winning smile, true grit and courage, always putting you first, Randy (her kids and grands a close next to her heart), those permanent holiday decorations -- she was one of a kind, your Dee, and I so admired her. Very sad for your loss.
My sincere condolences, Randy. Thinking of you and your family and sending love and light on the wing.
I’m so very sorry, Randy. My heart goes out to you and your kids and grandkids. It seems like just last week that Russell and I were running into you and Dee at The Other Place Cafe. Her smile and easy laugh still burns bright in my memory. Dee won’t soon be forgotten — she was one of the most kindhearted people I’ve ever met. She will be deeply missed by everyone who was touched by her love, humor and humanity. ❤️
Randy, I am so sorry. I only met Dee a few times but remember hearing stories about your wonderful garden. I am sending you love and hope that there is comfort in memories. Brooke Adams
We are so sorry to hear of DeeDee’s passing. She was such a lovely spirit. Much love to you, Randy, Hannah, and all of your family. Shelby, Eric and Sam
To Dees family, I am sorry for your loss. Dee had a very unique sense of humor and always had a smile for everyone. I used to cut her hair years ago and was delighted to reunite with her when I began working at the U. hospital. I'm glad she's free of pain and most likely working in her new garden.
Randy and Family, We send our thoughts and prayers to you as you grieve for this beautiful person, wife, and mother. I hope you feel solace knowing she is resting in peace and free of her challenges. God Bless You.
We are going to really miss this beautiful woman. Our love to Randy and family. RIP sweet Dee❤
We are very sorry to here about my Cousin Deidre's passing, it has been many years, since we met, on trip to Utah, to see our Great Aunt Annie( Her Grandmother). We met again on Facebook, but the time was to short. She is now gone, but she will always be watching over Family from above.
Scrolling through Facebook as I do about once a month, I am so very sad to see that my good friend Randy Peterson has lost his kind, funny, fierce and compassionate partner Dee. What a huge loss for all her family and many friends. My husband and I were so fortunate to have been included among them. I was always so happy to see her and Randy at our backyard parties! Her tomato pies were a favorite! Oh. Randy, I am so sad and sorry. And I'm sorry I didn't know in time to attend her memorial service. Please know how much Rick and I care about you. You and Dee were so lucky to have each other, but the time was too short.
Randy, please accept my condolences. Dee Dee was one of the first friends I had in Ms. Winter's kindergarten class at Franklin Elementary School. From the pictures, the sparkles in both your eyes, looks like you and Dee Dee had a life time full of joy and love.
Dee I have been blessed to have you in my life. You believed in me from the first time we met and I am very thankful. You have been a wonderful and beautiful friend to me and my family and I will forever have a void in my heart. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. Love You Deshawne Jackson
In Loving Memory
