Miriam Peterson Mason died peacefully at her home in Brigham City on Feb. 5, 2022, at the age of 93.
She was born on Aug. 11, 1928, to Clista and Lionel Peterson, delivered by Dr. Samuel Rigby in the family’s small adobe home in Fairview, Utah. Growing up she attended Fairview Elementary and North Sanpete High.
After graduation from high school in 1947, she attended the Colorado Women’s College for two years then enrolled in the University of Utah, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi. Following her graduation from the U with a degree in elementary education, she taught 3rd grade for a year.
Looking for something new, she pursued what was then a competitive position as an airline stewardess. She was hired by Western Airlines and moved to an apartment in Los Angeles with three fellow stewardesses, who became lifelong friends.
It was there she met her future husband, Jerry Mason. He presented himself at the apartment hoping to show off his new convertible to her roommate; with the roommate absent, Miriam decided to take up his offer to go for a ride.
They married in Miriam’s childhood home in Fairview on April 30, 1954. They returned to California and bought a home in Orange County, where their first two children, Elizabeth and Catherine, were born.
In 1960, Jerry secured a job as an engineer at Thiokol, and they bought a home in Brigham City, Utah. They had two more children, Cynthia and John.
Miriam devoted her life to family and community. She volunteered at many service groups and was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After her husband’s death in 2004, she continued to live in her home and maintained her focus on family and community. In her final years, she graciously enjoyed family support to fulfill her wish to live at home until her death.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; brothers, Albert and Lewis; and sister, Cleone Eccles.
She is survived by her sister, Catherine Bryan; children, Elizabeth Bergquist, Catherine Sims (Steve), Cynthia Galecki (Gregg), and John Mason; 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
A private family service will be held in Fairview at the Lionel L. and Clista Lasson Peterson Dance Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to Brigham City Library or the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Salt Lake.
Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary of Brigham City. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com.
