Donna Peterson's Obituary
Donna Lee Peterson, 78, passed away on November 20, 2017, in Tucson, Arizona. Donna, the third of four children, was born in Los Angeles, California on August 7, 1939 to Burrus Beane and Alta Moon. Donna is survived by her husband of 49 years, Raymond “Ray” Peterson; son Chester “Chet” Richardson, Chet’s wife Mary, and their three children Jeremy, Jason, and Jeffrey; son Edwin “Eddie” Richardson and his wife Sharon; daughter Shawn Maurer, Shawn’s husband Bob, and their three children James, Nicole, and Abby; and son Duke Richardson, Duke’s wife Dede, and their four children Karen, Janelle, David, and Sarah.
Donna grew up in the Los Angeles area and began working at a young age while she raised a family. During these early years, she also prepared for the exam required for entry into the United States Postal Service (USPS). Donna’s children vividly recall her discipline, determination, and intellect as she relentlessly studied street maps and postal routes in hopes of securing a USPS position and better wages and benefits for her young family. Her hard work paid off when she passed the postal exam with flying colors and began her new duties in 1965. Over the next 34 years, Donna served in a variety of USPS positions in California, Arizona, and Colorado, to include mail handler, clerk, sales associate, and supervisor. Ray’s service in the United States Air Force moved the family to Victorville, California and Tucson, Arizona. Following Ray’s Air Force retirement in 1976, Donna and the family moved to Boulder, Colorado, but the cold and snow drove them back to Tucson for good in 1978. After retiring from the USPS in 1999, Donna periodically worked for H&R Block until the 2016 tax season because she loved helping people and hearing their unique stories.
Even above her strong work ethic and intellect, Donna’s family and friends most remember her for how she loved, respected, and served others above herself. Donna was always deeply concerned about the emotional and physical well-being of the people around her. While she has passed into heaven, she will continue to be the role model for her husband, children, and grandchildren on how to live a life brimming with love and selfless service.
Given Donna was a two-time cancer (breast and lung) survivor, in lieu of flowers please consider donating to the American Cancer Society.
In celebration of a life extremely well lived, on Saturday, December 2, 2017, the family will be holding a visitation at 9:00 AM followed by a service at 10:00 AM at Evergreen Mortuary and Cemetery, 3015 North Oracle Road, Tucson, Arizona.
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