Dorothy Therese Peterson

She is survived by her husband of over 71 years, Keith Peterson (Ret AF Lt Col); children-Chris Umberger (David), Charlotte Peterson (Kurt Heinonen), Jill Huff (Dave), Keith Peterson, Jr (Haleh); grandchildren-Jaimis (Brendan), Sam, Pierce (Betsy), Dillon (Elizabeth) and Kate; and two great grandsons-Jack and Giovanni. Dorothy was born to George and Dora Dolphin and grew up in Maquoketa, IA. At an early age Dorothy learned to play the piano and became a very accomplished musician. In high school, she was senior class president, valedictorian, and homecoming queen in the same year. Dorothy graduated with a degree in Applied Music from Marycrest College, Davenport, IA where she was also senior class president, and met her future husband, Keith. They married and began their lifelong adventure together in 1952. Keith joined the Air Force officer training program and became a fighter pilot. Dorothy and Keith traveled the world together and wherever they lived, she continued her music career, while raising their four children. They settled in Annandale, VA in 1971 where Dorothy taught piano lessons and served the Arlington Diocese as organist and choir director at St Ambrose, Nativity, St Phillips, Mt Tabor Catholic Communities and many churches of other denominations. Her piano skills were always on display while leading rousing sing-alongs at squadron and choir parties, and most lovingly at family gatherings. After raising a family, Dorothy returned to school at Catholic University earning a Master of Liturgical Music. She performed her Masters organ recital in 1981 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. There are so many words to describe Dorothy. She was kind, gentle, smart, giving, devout, determined, and talented, and to her family, she was the most loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. A Requiem Mass will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church, 9970 Vale Road, Vienna, VA on Friday, September 13 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, https://osbva.org/ or Mt Tabor Catholic Community, 2363 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna, VA 22181.