Debra Sue Peterson

Debra “Debbie” Sue Peterson, 69, of Bellingham, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 16, 2026. She was born on October 18, 1956, in Bellingham, Washington, beloved daughter to Ernest and Eleanor Donahue. She later gained a stepfather, John Talmage, who loved her as his own. A lifelong resident of Whatcom County, Debbie graduated from Bellingham High School in 1974. In her early years, she treasured time spent at her grandparents’ farm in Deming, where many of her fondest childhood memories were made. As a teenager, she could often be found at Herfy's or cruisin’ the streets in her beloved 1969 fastback Mustang — a car she proudly still owned at the time of her passing. In 1979, she married Randy Peterson, and together they welcomed two children, Jamie and Julie. While raising her family, Debbie worked various retail jobs, including positions at The Food Barn, Kmart, and Target. After her divorce in 1992, she showed remarkable determination by returning to school and building a career in business office roles at St. Francis and North Cascades Health and Rehabilitation. In 2009, following her second cancer diagnosis, she was forced to step away from her career — but she never stepped away from her role as the heart of her family. Debbie lived her life with extraordinary strength and resilience, taking the utmost pride in her family. Many of her most talked about memories were those she spent with her grandkids, camping and feeding the ducks. She loved gardening and maintained her yard with pristine care — a reflection of the pride she took in everything she did. She had a deep passion for genealogy and took immense pride in being a descendant of the first settlers in Whatcom County, honoring the legacy of those who came before her. For over 30 years, Debbie courageously battled cancer, facing countless physical and emotional challenges with unmatched tenacity. Her strength and perseverance were beyond what most could imagine. Through it all, she remained devoted to her family and continued to live with grit, independence, and determination. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Bonnie Godwin; her daughter, Jamie Locke; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her daughter, Julie (Patrick) Taylor; her sisters, Linda (David) Pierce and Peggy Baze; her brother, James Axelson; her sister-in-law, Colleen Peterson; her nine grandchildren, Kameron Foster, Jacob Foster, Nicolas Taylor, Dylan Taylor, Brianna Foster, Mya Taylor, Macy Taylor, Gracy Taylor, and Marissa Taylor; her two great-grandchildren, Eliza Foster-Nunez and Brielle Holestine; and her best friend of 57 years, Cindy Buatte. Debbie was truly one of a kind — strong-willed, loving, and fiercely devoted to those she cared about. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Green Acres Memorial Park, followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:00 p.m. at the Cordata Park Pavilion.

Debra Sue Peterson

October 18, 1956 - February 16, 2026