Donna Ann Peterson

Donna Ann Peterson, a beloved woman known for her compassionate spirit and fierce dedication to her family, passed away on October 9, 2023 in Huntersville, North Carolina. She was born on November 12, 1934, in Elsie, Nebraska to Fred and Lela Glunz and raised with her seven siblings on the family farm.

Donna's journey in life was marked by her incredible career as a registered nurse. She pursued her passion for caring for others and made a positive impact on countless lives. With a Bachelor's degree in Nursing, she brought her expertise and kindness to every patient she encountered. Donna's commitment to her profession was unwavering, and she continued working in healthcare as a director of nursing until her retirement.

Never forgetting her roots as a Nebraska farm girl that loved horses and barrel racing, Donna carried the values instilled in her from an early age throughout her life.

Among Donna's proudest accomplishments were not only excelling professionally but also actively engaging with the community through involvement with her church. Her spirituality played an essential role in guiding her actions and shaping the remarkable person she became. Donna served alongside her husband Gerald in their shared service with Worldwide Marriage Encounter—an organization committed to fostering strong marital relationships grounded in faith. Their joint efforts impacted countless marriages positively, bringing renewed hope and love to couples.  Her dedication even took her on a journey of faith when she traveled to see the Pope—a deeply moving experience that further strengthened her connection with God.

Donna's legacy of love and devotion lives on through her surviving family and friends, who will forever treasure the beautiful memories they made with her. She is survived by her children, Lisa Hogan, Lori Pituk (Paul), David Peterson (Lisa), and Joe Peterson (Patty). Donna's fourteen grandchildren—James Hogan (Kelly), Brian Hogan (Heather), Steven Pituk (Hilda), Paul Pituk, Matthew Pituk (Randy), Kelly Vendley (Rob), Kara Sayers (Mitch), Kyle Peterson, Paige Peterson, Tate Peterson, Grace Peterson, Logan Peterson, Noah Peterson, Caleb Peterson—and six great-grandchildren—Julia, Thomas, Annie, Phoenix, Hannah, and Luke—were all sources of immense pride and joy for her.

Along with her parents, Donna is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Peterson and son, Timothy Peterson (Jill).

Donna Ann Peterson's life was one well-lived—a life marked by compassion for others, unwavering dedication to family values, and a commitment to making a difference in the world. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing her. As we mourn her loss, let us also celebrate the incredible legacy she leaves behind—an example of love and selflessness that will continue to inspire for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St Mark Catholic Church for the St Vincent DePaul society (https://www.osvhub.com/stmarknc/giving/funds/st-vincent-de-paul) or to St Jude Children's Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate).

The funeral mass will be viewable via the following link. https://www.stmarknc.org/livestream. The livestream will be available and active at 10:20am, Saturday, October 28, 2023.