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Cecilia Peterson Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Cecilia Peterson
Linda Gedes Hoge-Pattison
August 6, 2022
I met Cele later in he life in Tucson. My grandmother knew her from Bisbee where grandmother bought a dress shop (Irma Courteol´s), open from about 1936 to 1973.
Since Cele started in Bisbee, I wonder if the Bisbee shop was Cele´s prior my grandmother´s store? They also knew each other from Market etc.
Thank you!
Linda Gerdes Hoge-Pattison
Barbara Adamss Hornby
May 2, 2022
Cele has left a hole in the heart of Tucson. God makes few as unique as Cele was. She was wonderful in all she did; as a mother, grandmother, friend, businesswoman and so much more. She is greatly missed as a pioneer in the history of Tucson who made a difference in so many lives. She was always community minded and thoughtful to the rich, as well as, the poor and the inbetween. We were personally blessed to have been touched by her kindness as were so many others. Hugs to all those who were as fortunate as we were to know her. Peace out!
Kathleen Dobson-Hunt
May 3, 2011
Cecilia "Cele" I have admired you for many years, and was lucky enough to get to meet you several times throughout my lifetime. My Family told me many wonderful stories of you through the years, your tender sweet ways, but you were also a very strong business woman. Someone who became one of Arizona's and Tucson's Biggest most Respected Business Women, whose name will continue to be remembered and Honored by everyone who knew you. We were Honored to have you visit with us through the years for our Southern Arizona Transportation Museum and Historic Train Depot Anniversary Event. I am so very grateful to have taken so many great photo's of you during that time. We Miss You but know you will Always be with Us. Your Legacy will Live On Forever
Family Friend
Kathleen *Kate
Board of Director * Life Member
Sulphur Springs Valley Historical Society
Chiricahua Regional Museum
Southern Arizona Transportation Museum
Family Life Member
Docent/Volunteer/Photographer
{L} Kathleen enjoying Cele Peterson's 100th Birthday Celebration SATM & Historic Train Depot Anniversary Event
Kathleen Dobson-Hunt
May 3, 2011
How you can show support
Mayor Bob Walkup with Cele Peterson Celebrating her 100th Birthday at the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum & Historic Train Depot Anniversary
Kathleen Dobson-Hunt
May 3, 2011
June 4, 2010
Katya : j'apprends par Google le décès de ta maman chez qui j'ai passé de si bons moments en 1965 et Patrick, qui a été un " trainee " dans un de ses magasins est aussi attristé .
maman vien aussi de décéder le 20 mai et nous comprenons d'autant plus le grand vide qu'elle laisse....
Affectueusement
Monique MORLIERE ( formerly REIMERINGER )
Neal Hicks
May 12, 2010
As a former Tucson resident, I had the great priviledge to know Cele. She was such a delightful person, and I am proud to have known her as a friend. We all could hope to have such a full and wonderful life.
Hana Ripp
May 12, 2010
May her spirit, her soul continue as a beam of light for us all, her family and all to aspire to our greatest potential in community endeavors, family, and love for G_D and all the glories bestowed on us in nature , history and so forth in all the days to come forth , in fondest admiration,
Hausermanns Orchids
May 12, 2010
Our sincere condolences go out to you, Chachita and Cele's entire family . Melinda and Kellie at Hausermanns Orchids.
May 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this difficult time. Cecilia was an honored member of our community and will be dearly missed.
With deepest sympathy,
HalSi Insurance
Sima, Lisa, Sandy, Kathy, and Khalil
100th Birthday Celebration Cele Peterson throwing us a Big Kiss to say Thank You
Kathleen Dobson-Hunt
May 11, 2010
Our Love & Prayers to your family. You will always be remembered for your kindness,love,and generosity, and of course your wonderful style. It is an Honor to have known you and we looked forward to seeing you every year at the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, I am greatful I took many photo's every year where you are in many. And last year we helped you celebrate your 100th Birthday. My Mother Audrey Dobson-Reimer passed in 2008, had the most respect for you and enjoyed telling us stories when she would visit your shop, always saying Cele is the one to give you good fashion idea's. Mama also enjoyed your charm and looked forward to your visits whenever you got your hair done by her at her Menlo Park Salon, before she moved her Salon to the east side of Tucson. It was a Honor to know you Cele Peterson. Many prayers and much love to your family from ours. Kathleen Dobson-Hunt
Salpointe Catholic High School
May 11, 2010
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to Cele's family and friends. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Nancy Socolof
May 11, 2010
I loved the story of her Jewish heritage that she shared with me. She accomplished a great deal &
Interesting lady..
Condolences to the family,
Lion Ed White
May 11, 2010
Remembering 'Cele'. I miss coming into the store wearing my favorite cologne and sitting down in the Guest Chair at 'Cels's' beautiful desk without saying a word. 'Cele' would recognize my sent, place her hand on my arm and say..."Oh Ed".
I pray for you Girls and the rest of 'Cele's" Family and we all will see 'Cele' once again in God's presence one great day.
I love you, Dear 'Cele'!
Lion Ed White & Family
Charles Strasburger
May 10, 2010
What a wonderful lady and mentor,too.
She was truly a pleasure to work for and with so many years ago. My very best to all the family and with deepest
sympathy,
Charles Strasburger
Debbie Gallagher (Boot Barn)
May 10, 2010
My mother purchased her wedding dress from Cele Petersons in 1958. Two years ago my parents celebrated their 50th anniversary. The beautiful dress has been preserved all these years and was on display at their Anniversary party.
I was lucky enough to meet Cele when she was the Grand Marshal of the Tucson Rodeo Parade. I fitted her with her Stetson hat and she wore it as she made her way through the parade. This past February I was at the Press Conference and Cele was there and was given honorable mention as a past Grand Marshal. She was smiling as always. You will be missed.
Happy trails Cele.
Jeanine D.
May 10, 2010
Tucson will not be the same without our dear Cele. She exuded class in all that she said and did and treated every customer like royalty and an old friend at the same time. I loved trying on a dress and asking her opinion because I knew that she would certainly have the best advice for me. My deepest sympathies to the family of this benevolent, intelligent, one-of-a-kind lady.
Sheila Vaughnn
May 10, 2010
Dear Ones All,
Your mother was forever thoughtful and very kind to me and my mother. She made me feel like a part of your extraordinary family. I shall miss her very much.
With love,
Sheila
Julian Courteol
May 10, 2010
Dear Family of Cele Peterson,
My mother, Irma Courteol, had the store in Bisbee that had been the Fruitman's from about 1937 until 1973, and became friends with Cele through renting and then buying the Bisbee building at 18 Main St. I know she regarded your mother/grandmother very highly. I had only visited Cele in her store in Tucson once but she was a warm and gracious lady who has left a wonderful heritage. We trust you can keep you eyes on our Lord Jesus in this time of deep loss in your lives.
Rev. and Mrs. Julian Courteol, Nogales
Gina Amerson & Family
May 10, 2010
Dear Quinta and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Quinta, I know you made your mother very proud for all that you did both in the store and at home. You are blessed to have had a such a beautiful mother and mentor that gave you the gifts of giving, wisdom, compassion, love and a contagious smile. God bless you all.
Sylvia Palacios
May 10, 2010
To Cele's Family:
I met your beautiful Mother when she visited the t-shirt table at the TCC during the Mariachi Conference week several years ago. She sat at the table and I had the opportunity to talk with her. I was blessed by her love and compassion. I always knew about Cele but I had not met her -- I am honored to have had that privilege. My prayers are with all of the family. Rest in Peace Dear Lady --we will see you soon. Sylvia Palacios
Claire Aragon
May 9, 2010
Tom and Cha Cha and family, Cele must be smiling her big grin at the beautiful family she has brought into the world and nurtured to the phenomenal people you each are. I can only imagine the coffin you all worked so hard on! What love!
My prayers, love, and heart are with each of you,
Claire
May 9, 2010
Dearest Katya,
You are deeply in my heart at this sad time of loosing your precious mother. You are an important part of her legacy, and graciously carry her light. May the gentle hand of God touch your heart with peace.
With love, Shari Gibson
Lupita Barajas
May 9, 2010
Dear Quinta and Family,
You were blessed to have such a wonderful mother, a blessing and gift to the city of Tucson. I feel so privileged to have met Cele. She made a deep impression on me the first time I met her. And she will continue to be a blessing to us through you and all her children/grandchildren and great great children. Yes, her memory will live on forever and she will be a guiding star.
My love and prayers,
Sister Lupita
May 9, 2010
What a rich community of family and friends Cele leaves behind! We are bound together by her love and all-encompassing inclusiveness, and we inherit a legacy on which we can model our goals and actions for the future.
How wonderful she made it through one more Cinco de Mayo and how appropriate that we write this on Mother's Day.
Our love and condolences go to all Cele's family and friends. It was a privilege to know her, and we are all the richer for it.
The Vance Family
(Long-time neighbors, friends, customers and admirers)
Susan & Bob Shrager
May 9, 2010
Dear Katya,
May the constant love of family and caring friends soften your sadness. May all the cherished memories bring you moments of comfort.. Our hearts,
prayers and thoughts are with you and
your family. We send you our deepest sympathy.
Robert Kimball
May 9, 2010
Pancho, from the time I was 13 your mother was part of my life. I knew then as I know now that she was Tucson's first lady.
Billie and Boris Kozolchyk
May 8, 2010
How lucky we are that Cele Peterson moved north from Bisbee to grace our city. We feel privileged to have known her and absolutely honored that she chose each of us to be a Star of the Day on her program. 32 years ago, Cele didn't know me (Billie) and I only knew who she was because of her wonderful reputation. That year I was a co-chair of Israel's 30th birthday celebration and she lent me a gorgeous hand embroidered dress she had gotten on a trip to Israel to wear on opening night. I do not remember who requested it of her, but still find it extraordinary that she trusted a perfect stranger with it. Although she's gone, what she gave to Tucson will enrich us and all future Tucsonans forever.
Amy Conner
May 8, 2010
Katya, Cele's beauty and grace live on in you and your wonderful family. I feel blessed to have met her for even a few short moments.
Dion Garvey
May 8, 2010
Dearest Quinta, Robert, Bitty and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Patricia Casey
May 8, 2010
To all of Cele's family, my sincerest condolences to you all.
My grandmother, Helen Serventi Brouse, used to talk often of her friend, Cele Peterson and when I needed a special dress, she would take me to Cele Peterson's in Tucson. I remember her visiting with Ms. Peterson when we were in the store. I remember Cele Peterson being very sweet and kind.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and hold you.
richard hook sr.
May 8, 2010
Cele Peterson was a very kind, hospitable lady. She championed all the traits of greatness that only a woman of character, courage and generosity can personify.
A small gift being purchased did not qualify for special wrapping. She intercepted the wrapping and made it a brilliant rendition of her love and her personality. The humble clothes worn by the purchaser only meant a considerable attention to the transaction. Learning about her huge and with no "perhaps", most enormous following of friends, everywhere of any resident in Tucson since its beginning, i believe her the crown princess of this community and rightly so.
Estevan Rodriguez
May 8, 2010
Katya, my sincere condolences to you and your entire family. You mother was a great woman - her children are a living testament to her amazing character and heart. Even people who never had the opportunity to meet her will miss her. If there is anything I can do, let me know.
Gordon Packard
May 8, 2010
Cele was the very embodiment of grace, creativity and generosity for her community. She has inspired so many of us who share her love for Tucson
Robert Fee
May 8, 2010
Dear Quinta and family. Cele doesn't need a granite monument. More induring than stone are the memories of a great and gentle lady that will live in the hearts of all who knew her.
May 8, 2010
May we all honor her memory by continuing her vision of preserving Tucson's treasures, using her example of grace and committment and experience her beautiful life continue through her family.
S. Chamberlain
Sharon Takerer
May 8, 2010
Your memory is a keepsake, from which we'll never part. God has you in His arms, We have you in our heart.
May 8, 2010
As my eyes are filled with tears to the lost of one of my very dearest friends for over 45 years my prayers are and always will be with her and her family.
Lorraine Anderson
May 8, 2010
My deepest sympathy to all the family - a truly great lady -- Lucy Colbert, Waynesboro, Virginia
Alexandra Hayes/Murphy
May 8, 2010
I have loved Cele for so many years, she cared deeply and unselfishly, empathetic yet always an optimist. I will miss her, just knowing she was there made me feel good. I will keep her spirit and all of her beautiful family in my prayers. To pass on with dignity, knowing humbly that you have lived a life with integrity and have left such a positive, beautiful legacy is an inspiration. Sweetheart Cele, thank you, rest now. You worked a long long time. I'll miss you so much.
Lots of Love, Hana and Alexandra
Benita G
May 8, 2010
Beautiful lady..full of grace, kindness and style. You have impacted so graciously the lives of many in Tucson..
I purchased my wedding dress and my current home from you!
A well deserved rest in Heaven for you classy lady and condolences to your family.
Shalom
Janis Gasch
May 8, 2010
Dear Quinta and family - I was saddened to read of your mother's passing. I know she was an inspiration to you, as she was for all working mothers. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Fondly, Janis and Danny Gasch
May 8, 2010
It seems appropriate that I write about mother's that touch us with their kindness since it is so close to Mother's Day. The death of Cele at this time of year reminds me of my own mother (Rae Adams/deceased in 1992) who was a dear friend of Cele's and worked for her years ago doing alterations for customers at the Cele Peterson store in El Con Shopping Center. My mother-in-law, Margie Hornby, recently passed away on April 27th so the thought of mother's is heavy on my heart and emotions right now. Cele's contribution in life will live on as long as there are people to remember, books to be written and read, and individuals/charities that have benefited because Cele Peterson was among us. Perhaps her greatest gift was being a mother and a treasure to her family. I will personally miss her love and kindness, as will Tucson, her family and the far reaching corners of the world that she touched. I am so sorry that I can not be in Tucson for her memorial service. We live in Idaho now but we will think of her family and friends and send our embrace in the spirit of what she was all about....love. In memory of her and the mother's I have personally lost I extend my prayers for Cele's service, for Mother's Day and all of our days ahead. May God continue to bless you as he did through Cele. Barbara (Adams), Edward, and Daniel Hornby
Carolyn Classen
May 8, 2010
Our heartfelt condolences for the loss of such a great woman. How happy she looks in that wonderful photo Katya took of her wearing the Royal Poinciana lei I sewed for her last Fall, for the Arizona Historical Society tribute. With aloha,
Julia Arriola
May 8, 2010
Thank you, Mrs. P for all your love, it was a pleasure knowing and working with you. I will miss you. I know that you will continue to design in the sky.
Janice E. Mitich
May 8, 2010
I was so saddened to hear of Cele's passing. She was a delightful lady and a walking history of Tucson. Her smile would light up the room.
My mother moved my twin sister and me to Tucson from Wyoming, in the late '50s because of my sister's asthma (diagnosed in Wyoming as 'walking pneumonia'). Her mother joined us a year later. Mom worked for the Selective Service System, located downtown in the Garden Plaza on Stone Ave, next to Harry Horwitz Jewelry Store.
Times were hard, especially for a single parent family. of four. Joyce and I, (often with girlfriends) would walk downtown to visit Mom in the summer. We'd buy a coke at Woolworths, go to the library, and window shop Jacomes, Lerners, Levy’s, and Cele's store, commenting on the latest fashions that were too expensive for us.
One December, Joyce and I went downtown to shop for a Christmas and birthday present for Mom. Her birthday was Dec. 29. (As a child, she hated having a birthday so close to Christmas, because her birthday was never celebrated. Christmas and birthday gifts were combined as one.)
Joyce and I had saved what we could from our high school lunch money, babysitting, and our $5/month allowances (our share of the $40/month child support). We wanted to get something really "expensive" for Mom as she worked two additional jobs on the weekends--serving at banquets, and cocktail waitressing.
We decided to look in Cele's place explaining our mission to the saleslady. The next thing we knew, here comes Cele. You must remember that back then, downtown Tucson was very close knit. Everyone, who worked there, knew everyone else. Cele said she would bump into Mom all the time and enjoyed Mom's sense of humor. Without a moment's hesitation, Cele took things in hand.
Unknown to us, Cele often cleaned and/or stored women's furs in a vault in the basement. Every now and then, a customer wouldn't claim their property. After a legal waiting period, the furs became the property of the store. Before we knew it, Cele showed us a lovely fox stole. (I apologize to all the animal lovers, but you must remember this was a different era.) Cele said that she would reline the stole and have Mom's initials embroidered inside, assuring us that it would look brand-new--all for "under" the amount we had saved.
We will never forget the look on our beloved Mother's face as she opened up the gorgeous Cele Peterson gift box from under the tree. In 1985, Mom gave it to me, in her will.
Looking back, as adults, Joyce and I realize you took a "loss" on that stole to make two teen girls' dreams to honor their mother, come true. Thank you, Cele. We have never forgotten your kindness. Please say, "Hello," to Mom. She has 40 years of good laughs for you. God Bless you and yours. You will be missed.
May 8, 2010
As Tucson loses another icon we say Thank You Cele Peterson. For the contributions you made to Tucson and for the rich legacy we can share with future generations.
VERONICA LOYA
May 8, 2010
I HAD THE PRIVLEDGE TO MEET MRS PETERSON WHILE WORKING AT THE RODEO PARADE OFFICE SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL AND VERY TALENTED WOMAN, WE WILL ALL MISS YOU DEARLY, REST IN PEACE, AND ALL OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY FROM VERONICA LOYA AND LOYA FAMILY
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