Virginia Cardon Christensen Peterson

Virginia Cardon Christensen Peterson passed away on May 20, 2012. She was born in Logan, Utah on August 29, 1922, the daughter of C. Cecil and Rula C. Christensen. Her father died when she was eight years old, and her mother later married Col. John H. Pitzer. Virginia grew up in Logan with her brother, Charles. Starting as a young child, Virginia loved to perform, play piano and sing for her family and friends. She sang in many community and school events and on the radio and television. In 1943, she moved to New York and sang with the New York City Opera Company. At this time, she met her husband, FBI Special Agent Chester J. Peterson, and they were married on June 8, 1945, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Virginia and Chester moved to Safford, Arizona in 1947, and in 1955 they moved to Phoenix. Virginia was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, playing the organ and piano, teaching and giving benefit recitals. She performed in many community theater venues, and served on the boards of the Phoenix Honors Cotillion and the Phoenix Boy’s Choir. While raising five children, Virginia obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Vocal Performance from Arizona State University where she graduated magna cum laude in 1974. She joined the National Association of Teachers of Singing and taught at her home studio and at Phoenix College. In addition to music, Virginia loved the beauties of nature, enjoyed reading, needlework, foreign travel and hostessing parties and family events. She has given her descendants a legacy of education, tolerance, social propriety and joy for life. Virginia was preceded in death by her sons, John C. Peterson and David C. Peterson and her husband. She is survived by her son James A. (and Lynette) Peterson, her daughter-in-law, Rosemary (Mrs. David C.) Peterson; her daughters, Karen (Mrs. Kirk) Mosley, and Rula Anne (Mrs. Var) Prock. Virginia has 22 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren. A Visitation will be held Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 A.M. at the LDS Church, 8710 N. 3rd Ave., Phoenix. Interment will be held at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 2300 W. Van Buren, Phoenix.