Debbie O'Connell Peterson

1952 - 2023

Debbie O'Connell Peterson

July 23, 1952 - May 10, 2023

Our sister, aunt, and friend died on May 10, 2023, after a brief illness, at her winter home in Arizona, surrounded by her siblings, her best friend, Gale, and her dog Sammy .

Deb was born in Helena on July 23, 1952, and raised in Marysville. From an early age, she explored the mountains on horseback, skied Belmont, and was lucky to live a life full of adventures. Deb graduated from Helena High School in 1970, and maintained close friendships with her classmates.

Deb married Doug Peterson on St. Patrick's Day 1979, and together they created a lifetime full of memories. For 20 years, they lived in Alaska and traveled the backroads and rivers in the state. While in Alaska, Deb worked for the Census Bureau and visited islands and areas that were only accessible by bush plane.

Deb and Doug returned to Marysville in 2000, and spent their time exploring Montana. After Doug died in 2009, Deb decided to begin a new career and worked as a miner/assayer at the Drumlummon mine, where she was a proud third generation gold miner.

Deb was an avid reader, our family historian, had a curious, investigative nature, and enjoyed sharing her love of genealogy and conspiracy theories. She could debate a subject with you for hours and was usually right!

Deb was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Ruth O'Connell; her husband, Doug; nephew, Nathan Nichols; and sisters-in-law: Trace and Jan O'Connell. She is survived by her siblings: Rick O'Connell, Colleen (Dan) Nichols, Bob O'Connell; and best friends: Gale Elstad and Travis Bennett. Deb also leaves behind seven nieces and nephews and twelve great-nieces and nephews; her dog, Sammy; and horse, Hoyt Axton, who all loved her dearly.

Deb has donated her body to Medcure for scientific study. A celebration of her life will be held on July 23, 2023, at the Marysville house.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Loves leave a memory no one can steal."