Debra Peters

In memory of Debra Peters
08/07/1955 to 09/15/2026

I don't really know how to put into words what my mom meant to me, because how do you explain a love that has been part of your entire life?

My mom was my mom, but she was so much more than that. She was the rock of our family—the person we could count on when life was good and especially when it was hard. She had a way of making a house feel like home, whether she was offering advice, sharing a laugh or simply sitting with us when no words were needed.

Our life wasn't always easy. We had struggles and challenges, and there were times when we had to find our own way through them. But no matter what life brought us, Mom helped us, taught us, guided us, and reminded us that we could keep going. Even when she was tired or carrying worries of her own, she made room for ours.

She taught us so many things—not just the everyday things, but the things that really matter: how to get through hard times, keep going when we don't know what comes next, love our family, and be there for the people we care about. She taught us through her words, but even more through the way she lived—with strength, patience, generosity, and a love that made each of us feel seen.

There are so many things I wish I could tell her now and so many moments I wish I could have back—the ordinary conversations, familiar routines, little jokes, and stories that seemed simple at the time but now feel priceless.

I miss her voice, her presence, and the comfort of knowing I could call her, ask her something, or simply hear her say my name. I miss the feeling that, somehow, things would be a little more manageable after talking to her.

I don't think you ever really understand how much someone is part of your life until you're faced with having to live without them. And I don't know how to do that yet.

She's my mom, and a part of me still can't believe that I have to say goodbye to her.

But everything she gave us didn't leave with her.

Her love is still here—in her children, our memories, the things she taught us, and the way we take care of each other. It's in the little pieces of her that each of us carries: the phrases we repeat, the traditions we keep, the kindness we show, and the strength we find when we need it most.

Mom, I hope you knew how deeply you were loved and how much you mattered to us.

Thank you for being our rock, for teaching us, loving us, and helping us find our way. Thank you for the quiet sacrifices, the encouragement, the laughter, and the countless ways you made our lives better simply by being in them.

I would give anything for one more conversation, one more hug, one more day with you.

I love you, Mom.

And even though I have to learn how to live in a world without you, I will carry you with me for the rest of my life.

You will always be my mom.

And I will always love you.

Public viewing will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2025 from 3:00 PM-5:00 PM at Neil O'Donnell Funeral Home 372 E 100 S Salt Lake City, UT 84111.

Viewing will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM and Mass service will start at 11:00 AM at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church 2315 E Redondo Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84108