Denise Elizabeth Peterson

Denise Elizabeth Peterson age 67, passed away May 28, 2026, in Washington, D.C., with her sister at her side. She was born December 1, 1958, in Saigon, South Vietnam, grew up in Arlington, VA and Pembroke Pines, FL. Her mother Frances V. Peterson passed away in 2018; and her father Richard C. Peterson passed away in 1988. They met and married in Washington, D.C., traveled overseas for several years, and moved the family to Florida in the mid-1970s.

Denise was widely known for her cheerful outlook, humor and fortitude. She was kind and generous to all. The strength and warmth of both her friendship and mentorship are remembered by those who knew her through her professional affiliations or through her many community interests and fun activities. She devoted time to the Women’s National Book Association (Washington Chapter) and was a Public Radio Volunteer. As well, she was a member of the Maryland State Bar Association, the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts, and the Arts, Entertainment, and Sports Law Section of the D.C Bar. Denise was a member of the National Press Club and the U.S. Lighthouse Society and Chesapeake Chapter.

Denise was a proud graduate of Swarthmore College and Georgetown University Law Center. She had a distinguished career as a health care journalist and specialized publications manager for more than 35 years, where her skills as an astute, insightful writer and talented editor served her well. Her intelligence, flexibility and resourcefulness contributed to her advance during that time from reporter, to editor, to editorial director and then to editor-in-chief for a business that underwent a significant transformation from small, family-run operation (F-D-C Reports) to part of a large global enterprise (Citeline). Denise’s success as a manager reflected her even temperament and excellent judgment. Her warm nature and lively sense of humor earned her many friends among work colleagues. Over the years she remained close to a number of them, who will miss her very much and share that:

Denise was the heart and soul of F-D-C Reports, the original name of The Pink Sheet which was launched in 1938 with the passage of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. We started at the company months apart in 1981-82 when it was a family business. It was a wonderful time; we were all close and it felt like home to be there. Denise carried along that caring tradition through acquisitions and transitions. She was unflappable, supportive, kind and always there to make things right. She had an extraordinary calming presence and kept things together through turbulent times with her kindness, caring and acute perception.

She was funny, wise, thoughtful, sharp, generous, supportive, canny. I loved how she would share poetry in her monthly emails to her team. I liked how she would make me laugh at the end of a stressful week and say “hang in there, sister!”

Denise was a mentor to many in the healthcare journalism community. Their words of appreciation and remembrance are bringing joy to all.

Denise enjoyed cooking, books, dancing/exercise classes, Jazzercize, going out for coffee, water aerobics, all genres of music, planning for and celebrating birthdays and holidays and supporting others’ endeavors. Friends are remembering:

Denise was always asking about their parents, and often was friends with their parents as well as with them. When friends or their family members visited the Washington, D.C. area, Denise would send baskets of fruit to their hotel rooms, give them tours of her office in addition to tours of D.C., and take them out to lunch and dinner at favorite restaurants. She maintained an active interest in the lives of friends’ children over the course of their lives from taking pictures of herself with drawings they sent her to listening and providing guidance on school or career decisions. Denise took and shared entertaining pictures of all the hats, scarves, sweaters and throws sent by friends.

Denise was such a wonderful friend and neighbor. She always took an interest in our lives. We would often compare notes on new restaurants and cafes or where to find the best scones and croissants. She was a huge champion of the Girl Scouts, taking an interest in new badge opportunities and always earning a spot on the sales report as a top supporter of cookies and fall products. She was always our first sale of the year! I would often see her in the summer returning from water aerobics with a smile on her face and recently she mentioned a hip hop dance class she took years ago, the memory giving her a good laugh. Whenever I see the Christmas lights in front of the Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, I’ll think of how much Denise loved looking out of her windows and enjoying the lights each season.

My favorite memory of Denise! In 2002, I faced an important decision between two properties to build my first home in Ocean City, MD. I was so excited when Denise accepted my invitation to drive three hours to look at the two properties with me! Denise took the time to listen, offer her thoughts, and help me see things more clearly. Thanks in part to her listening, wisdom and encouragement, I chose the best of the two in Bay Vista! And after 25 years I still live on that property Denise chose! Her kindness, good judgment, and friendship were her special gifts! I will always be grateful for her guidance, her caring heart, and the wonderful friend she was. Her memory will remain with me always.

Denise and I met through the Women's National Book Association in the late 1990s. She stepped in when I was the DC Chapter President while I dealt with multiple family emergencies. We bonded over books, dancing, and cooking.

I’ll miss visiting with her, gossiping, laughing and discussing recipes.

A memorial gathering of family and friends, service of remembrance and reception, to honor and celebrate Denise’s life and legacy will commence at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 9th at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20016. All are welcome. In memory of Denise, please consider making a donation to an organization of significance to your relationship with her or to one of the organizations of special meaning to her:

Hope Connections for Cancer Support (https://hopeconnectionsforcancer.org). Gifts may be made online at https://bit.ly/HCCSDONATION.

Sibley Memorial Hospital Foundation. Gifts may be made online at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/support/sibley (with designation of Center for Patient and Family Services – Cancer Center) or send checks payable to the Sibley Foundation (with a memo indicating gift is in memory of Denise Peterson with designation of Center for Patient and Family Services – Cancer Center) to the Sibley Foundation, 5255 Loughboro Road, N.W, Washington, D.C. 20016.