Eleanor C. Peterson

Eleanor C. Peterson, 77, passed away from pulmonary fibrosis after receiving the rites on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at St. Mark’s Hospital.

She was born on October 22, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Jack and Bernyce Wilson. Her father wanted to have a boy and called her Butch before she was born.  The nickname remained with her for the rest of her life and she was known as “Butchie” to her family.  Eleanor attended Judge Memorial High School and received both a BS and MS degree from Westminster College. She married John E. Peterson in 1974 and they were married until his death in 2020.

Eleanor began her career at Washington Elementary in Salt Lake City School District where she taught both elementary and special education.  She was named the district Teacher of the Year in 1991.  She was a member of SLTA, UEA, and NEA, as well as The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.  She worked in the Special Education Department at the district level the last few years of her career and retired in June 2012 after 45 years of teaching.  

Eleanor loved her family.  She was a friend to all. Even strangers were drawn to her and shared their life stories – even though she hadn’t asked.  She was known for her bold jewelry and “Eleanorisms.”  “That’s the cat calling the kettle black,” and “He’s a tall drink of milk,” just to name two of many.  Eleanor loved to travel.  She had many friends who joined her in adventures and activities. You know who you are!  She enjoyed life to the fullest and had many favorite things…shopping, decorating for holidays, reading, and crafts.    Organizing and throwing a party also made her happy – but it always had to have a theme.  She loved her cabin at Bear Lake where she planted flowers and sat on the deck. 

Eleanor loved to volunteer.  She worked at the Mt. Olympus Senior Center where she made many friends.  She was also a volunteer for the 2002 Paralympics.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and her aunt Nana .  She is survived by her sister Tawney and husband Duane Pearson.  Grandson Michael Peterson. Nephews and nieces Micah Pearson and Harmonee Bain,  Breanna and Jeff Mousely, Cassie and Donald Aguirre.  Step-children, Janet Miles, John Peterson, and Tommy Peterson.  Great granddaughters Ashlyn and Dominique, and great nephews and nieces Talan, Tayge, Amelia Grace and Aria Mae.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Wellington Assisted Living Facility, where Eleanor resided prior to her death. The kindness and loving care they gave to Eleanor will not be forgotten.

A viewing will be on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and funeral services on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek, Utah.  Interment will be at Holladay Memorial Cemetery.  

In memory of Eleanor, please go to lunch with friends, buy yourself something fun, or consider a donation in her name to The Utah Food Bank or Catholic Community Charities.