On Sunday, May 9th, 2021, Francine Dezzie Tuft Peterson, loving wife and mother, passed away peacefully at the age of 78. 

Francine was born on August 22nd, 1942, in Salt Lake City, UT to Frank and Dezzie Tuft.  She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Utah and later went on to achieve a Master of Arts degree in directing and musical theater.  Francine began her professional career at the Social Services office as an administrator in Eureka, CA.  In 1973, Francine, along with others, was one of the founders of The Humboldt Light Opera Company.  They all worked tirelessly to provide the residents of Humboldt County a performing arts experience.  In 1984 Francine was hired by Loyola University in New Orleans as the Opera Theatre director.  Francine quickly created the Loyola Opera Theatre program designed to train undergraduate and graduate singers to be effective vocal and acting performers in musical theatre, opera, and operetta.  During her tenure at Loyola, she produced and directed 11 operas, nine musical comedies, six scene recitals, fouroperettas, and two special projects. 

For the last 30+ years, Francine has worked as a Feng Shui Practitioner and Certified Sacred Place Practitioner.  On November 5th, 1966, she married David Humphrey Peterson and together they raised one son Darron.

Francine had a remarkable talent and passion for Feng Shui.  She brought an ancient practice to life in the modern world, in a way only Francine could. Her clients never experienced a situation too challenging for her dynamic method of practice. Her spirituality as well as her experience as a director, assisted in changing and transforming many people’s lives.  Coupled with her passion for rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and beautiful flowers, Francine created a peaceful, serene, and tranquil home in Kneeland, CA where she and David spent nearly 50 years together. 

Francine was preceded in death by her loving husband, David, her sister Joan, and her parents Frank and Dezzie.  She is survived by her son, Darron, his two children Alexandria and Lance, as well as nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for her and David will be held on July 17th, 2021, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 1660 Heartwood Drive, McKinleyville, CA at 12:00 p.m.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Francine Peterson’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.