Obituaries

• Submitted
• Francine Dezzie Tuft Peterson, August 22, 1942, to May 9, 2021.

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

Francine was born on August 22, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah, 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, California. 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 with 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, four operettas and two special projects.  For the last 30 plus years, Francine has worked as a Feng Shui Practitioner and Certified Sacred Place Practitioner. On November 5, 1966, she married David Humphrey Peterson and together they raised one son Darron.

Francine had 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, California, where she and David spent nearly 50 years together.