Mardean Peterson, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away May 25, 2016. She was born on March 15, 1933, to Robert and Leone Crittenden Rippon, and grew up in the home her parents built in Salt Lake City's Avenues. The oldest child and only daughter, she was big sister to her brothers Kent, Frank, and Steve, and enjoyed playing in the "upper Avenues" when they were still wild. She graduated from East High School, and when friends set her up on a blind date with Glade Peterson, she knew she was embarking on a life of adventure. Following their wedding in the Salt Lake Temple in 1955, she and Glade soon departed for New York City to pursue Glade's career as an opera singer. With daughter Leslie and son Kelvin in tow, they left for Europe by boat in 1960, first to Milan, Italy, and then to Zurich, Switzerland, where she enjoyed a happy life for fifteen years, and gave birth to daughter Michelle. She made a global network of life-long friends there, especially through the American Women's Club, and was affectionately known in her adopted community as "Frau Peterson." She cross-country skied in the Swiss Alps, experienced opera in some of Europe's finest opera houses, sewed many beautiful clothes, and studied at the Jungian Institute in Zurich. Opera celebrities from around the world and home-sick Mormon missionaries enjoyed many delicious meals at her table, and holidays at her house were legendary. Her native home called again in 1975 when she returned to Salt Lake City to support Glade in founding Utah Opera, giving tirelessly of herself by volunteering in the Utah Opera Guild, cheering on all endeavors from behind the scenes, and contributing greatly to the early success of Utah Opera. The epitome of grace, mom never knew a stranger. She volunteered with the Assistance League, was an arts patron, and loved to travel and garden. Best of all, she was the most wonderful Oma to her grandchildren. Our gratitude to her friends and the staff at Brookdale for sustaining her spirit in her final years with affection and good humor. She loved and was loved.
Survived by her children Leslie (Kevin Higgins), Kelvin (Liqin), Michelle (Richard Scott); grandchildren Daniela (Erik) Jex, Courtney Higgins, Christopher (Julie) Adams, Emily Higgins, Sarah Scott and Sam Scott; brothers Frank (Janis) Rippon and Steve (Marva) Rippon; Mike Adams, Robin Brown, and many other extended family and friends. Predeceased by her parents, husband Glade, and brother Kent.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, May 31, at 11:00 AM at the LDS Chapel located at 589 E. 18th Avenue, with visitations on Monday, May 30, from 6:00 ‚ 8:00 PM at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, and one hour prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Utah Symphony | Utah Opera.
