Debra Peterson, 61, a long-time resident of Rochester passed away after a lengthy illness on Wednesday, April 3, 2019.

Deb came to Rochester in the early 90's for an opportunity to get an education and begin another chapter in her life, that of a single mom and provider.  Although it was not easy juggling school, part-time jobs and raising her son Nathan, Deb got it done.  She received her Bachelor's degree at Winona State and Master's degree in Psychological Counseling at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

After obtaining her degrees Deb worked a few years for Omnia Family Services as a family therapist. In 1998, she was offered a job working for Olmsted County in child and family services.  This was a happy day for Deb. She worked 20 years as a mental health professional for the County working with both juveniles and adults.  In more recent years she helped to establish and was a team lead for the Olmsted County Adult Services Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program.  Deb was proud to be a part of that program.  She loved her work, her clients and especially her colleagues.  Deb appreciated their many expressions of kindness, support, guidance, and friendship over the years.

Deb wanted to thank the doctors, nurses, research coordinators, and support staff on Mayo Gonda 10 and Season's Hospice for providing her with such excellent and compassionate care. Deb did not surrender easily, but in the end, when it was her time, she did it with grace, dignity, and so much courage.

Deb was loved and appreciated by her family and friends and will be dearly missed.  Her final resting place will be in her home town in Wisconsin, next to her mom.