Kathryn Anne Peterson

Kathryn Anne Peterson, 76, passed away peacefully on January 31st, surrounded by her family in her Holladay, Utah home. Born on May 13, 1948, in Denver, Colorado, Kathryn was known for her vibrant spirit, kindness, and dedication to her family, friends, and community. She lived a life with grace, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. May her spirit and strength forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Kathryn attended Colorado State University studying Occupational Therapy when she met the love of her life, Gary Peterson, in the Veterinary Medicine program. They spent many memorable times together in the mountains and forests of Colorado, Gary as a Forest Fire lookout and Kathryn a Camp Fire CIT/Counselor but always making time for each other. They married in the fall of 1969 in Denver, and then moved to Salt Lake City, Utah with the dream of Gary one day owning his own Veterinary practice. In 1977 Gary and Kathryn purchased and renovated what would become known as Town & Country Veterinary Hospital, “Town” for Kathryn and “Country” for Gary. Kathryn devoted over 50 years assisting Gary run his Veterinary practice in Salt Lake City as the office manager. Kathryn enjoyed teaching about pet care with her Scottish Terriers, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch; shaping the minds and hearts of thousands of students at various local elementary schools and many first time clients. Her passion for education and pet care left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate to sit in her ‘classroom’.

Beyond her professional life, Kathryn was a pillar of her community. She served in various roles in the church but is fondly remembered for her children’s church lessons, children’s sermons, and as “Tina”. Kathryn worked tirelessly behind the scenes in over eight church musicals, assisting with costumes, rehearsals, and producing all the memorable artwork/props by hand. Little known to many in her later years, Kathryn was a Camp Fire Girl, known as “WohdoKeca”, for decades. She had earned the final and most prestigious “Torch Bearer” rank, earned the highest honor in Camp Fire “The Wohelo Award” medallion, served as a camp counselor for many years, and served on the board, all complete with zany attire and crazy camp songs. Kathryn served a few years in support of her son, as his Cub Scout Den Mother and then later as her daughter grew up volunteered tirelessly as a Girl Scout leader, Camp Director, and Camp Chair. Her commitment to service in Girl Scouts earned her countless accolades and awards, hundreds of friends as “Katydid”, but most importantly she was able to support her daughter achieve the coveted Silver award.

Kathryn had an exceptional love of laughter and sharing that joy with others. She was well known by the “Fed-Ex guy”, friends, and family for having 1-2 jokes and puns always at the ready that often left everyone groaning. Kathryn had developed the gift of weaving her jokes into real world stories as a ‘hook’ for her listeners and then would ‘zing’ them with the joke and punchline. Her friends always came prepared to trade jokes with her, knowing it was her favorite way to interact with others. Her humor brought comfort and peace to hundreds, and her “magic show performances” at family events were always eagerly anticipated.

Kathryn relaxed by watching old movies on American Movie Classics (AMC) or Food Network cooking shows. Her family recalls numerous food experiments, both delicious and a few memorable “hockey pucks”. Some of her favorite AMC movies were World War II films like ‘Operation Petticoat’ or ‘The Green Berets’. Unbeknownst to most but her closest family, Kathryn had a secret desire to be a black-ops sniper. Through Campfire Girls, her father and her brother, she had gained a dead-eye aim with a slingshot, bow, and a rifle. Kathryn also loved to garden and always harvested “bumper” crops of Rhubarb which she turned into all kinds of delicious treats.

She was a loving mother to her two children, Brian and Heather, and a devoted grandmother to her three grandchildren, who fondly remember her bedtime stories with all manner of voices, silly camp songs, and her famous “Mr. Moon” song. Her family recalls her unwavering support, wisdom, and the warmth she brought to every family gathering.

Kathryn’s friends remember her as a compassionate, thoughtful, and generous person. She had an extraordinary ability to make everyone she met feel special and valued. Her laughter was infectious, her faith a rock of stability, and her optimism was a beacon of light in times of adversity.

In her final years, Kathryn faced her illness with remarkable grace and resilience, continuing to inspire those around her with her courage and positivity. Her legacy of love, kindness, and service will continue to live on through her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched.

Kathryn is survived by her beloved husband, Gary; her children, Brian and Heather (Riley); her grandchildren, Connor, McKayla, and Benjamin. She was preceded in death by her brother, Michael, and her parents, James and Joeldyn.

A celebration of Kathryn’s life will be held at Mount Olympus Presbyterian Church on March 1st at 10:00 AM. Please come and share your memories and stories of the times we shared together. In lieu of flowers, our family requests that donations be made to: Girl Scouts of Utah, Shriner’s Hospital for Children – SLC, or the Assistance League of Salt Lake in her memory.