Mary Peterson

Mary Dix was born to Mable Dix on September 9, 1936 in Accomack Virginia, a Southern city known for its chicken farms, only 10 - 12 miles wide at the southernmost tip of Virginia, between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. In the mid-1950’s, Mary relocated to live with family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Simon Gratz High School and Apex School of Beauty, both in Philadelphia.

In 1958, she became Mary Peterson, upon marrying the love of her life for 63 years, Alex Peterson. Mary followed her beloved husband who was relocated to Germany for several years while serving in the armed forces. Later they returned to the US and settled back in a town called North Hills (just East of Philadelphia) Pennsylvania to raise their family. Mary began a small hairdressing business in the basement of the family home in the 1960's. Wanting a better life for her family and she chose to continue her education, returning to school to get an AA in Retail Management.

Years went by and in 1977, Alex had an opportunity to relocate to San Jose California. Mary was excited to begin a new journey for her family in what is now known as the Silicon Valley. She quickly became a valued member of the burgeoning high tech/computer industry.

Once again, Mary took the opportunity to return to school, learning manufacturing engineering for production of computer chips, circuit boards and disc drives. She mastered her trade and became an in-demand production supervisor and consultant with many companies including Conner Peripherals, Sperry Univac, Seagate, and Hewlett-Packard.

Mary loved entertaining and loving life with her friends and family. Over the years she hosted many Capricorn birthday parties, cookouts and just-because parties. Mary was an excellent cook and had two very special recipes: her Fried Chicken and the best Mac-n-Cheese ever!

Mary enjoyed traveling and high-end shopping. Mary had an amazing green thumb loved to garden and grow. Her lemon tree, orange tree and kumquat tree were some of her greatest green accomplishments. African-Violets were also one of Mary’s favorite plants.

Mary and Alex were season ticket holders with the San Francisco 49’er for over 23 years and forged many great friendships. They became famous for their laughter, food, and fun. Over time, they made friends with all the stadium ushers and even the coaches, to the point that they had access to be with the players after the games…lots of good times were had.

Upon retiring in the late 1990’s, Mary focused on her natural creativity and taught herself to become a master jewelry maker. She made amazing bracelets and necklaces for family and friends but was too shy to ever want to market them commercially.

To maintain her good health, Mary was an avid walker and would do 3 miles a day, 5 to 7 days per week, and always held a gym membership. Mary never had a cat until she met a stray on her daily walks. Mary welcomed Timmy to the family home. Little did she know that a new love for cats was born.

In 2013, Mary was diagnosed with small cell bladder cancer, but that did not stop her. She continued to live a vibrant life with joy and gladness, always being the wife, the grandmother and friend throughtout. After successfully completing a 6-month treatment program for cancer, Mary and Alex moved to Las Vegas in 2014 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In Las Vegas, Mary continued to keep an elegant home while taking care of her husband their cat and her family's needs.

Mary loved Jesus and was a born-again Christian. She was grateful for the life she was given, though not always easy. She worked hard and was determined to make a good and loving life for her family.

Mary, our Queen, was called home to Glory to be with God June 17th, 2021. Gone from earth but forever in our hearts.

Mary leaves to continue her family’s legacy, her beloved husband of 63 years, Alex Peterson; children, Vanessa, Myra (Eric), John, Dione (Ken); grandchildren, Shannon, Lamont, Drae, Zavier, Davain, Nikallette, Cole and Kailee. Also several great grandchildren plus a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, family, friends, and her rambunctious cat Ricky.

Mary was proceeded to heaven by her mother (Mabel), brother (Sammy), sister (Diane), and grandson (Brenan), Also many family and close friends from over the years and her rescued cat Timmy..

Galatians 6:9

“And let us not grow weary of doing good for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”