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Heather Pauline Rathgeber Peterson

October 28, 2013

Heather Pauline Rathgeber Peterson

May 6, 1960 ~ October 28, 2013


Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15 (NIV)


Heather Pauline Rathgeber, daughter to Ruth and Alf Rathgeber, formerley of Creston, BC, and now of Camrose, AB, died recently in Edmonton, AB, following a year long illness.

She was born in Creston, BC on May 6, 1960.

On August 18, 1979 she married her best friend, Arthur Peterson. Following their marriage, Heather and Arthur moved to Edmonton, AB. Kaitlyn (Kait), their first born, came along five years later. Isaac followed and then Lauren, who sadly passed away at age three.

After Kait and Isaac were older, Heather received her diploma in Information Technology from Grant MacEwan College. A rewarding career working for Alberta Health Services followed. Heather enjoyed being part of the AHS team. She loved caring for her colleagues in ways that included remembering their birthdays and coercing Arthur into making cinnamon buns for them because, according to Heather, they needed them!

In May, 2012 Heather was diagnosed with Bells Palsy. This seemed to be the catalyst for what unfolded as in January, 2013 she was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia and ALS in August, 2013. Heather was admitted to Misericordia Hospital on October 11, 2013. With Arthur by her side, Heather died at the Alberta General Hospital on October 28, 2013.

Arthur and the family are incredibly thankful for West Edmonton Baptist Church and the many people who have prayed for them throughout this time. They are also grateful for the medical care Heather received from her physician, Dr. Shakil, the ALS Team, the staff at Misericordia and Alberta General Hospital as well as the wide range of medical professionals who have been involved in Heather's care.

Heather will be greatly missed by Arthur, son Isaac, daughter Kaitlyn (Matt) Davies; grandchildren Emmajay, Junelily, Cordelia, Katrina and Jonah. Sharing their loss are Heather's parents Alf and Ruth Rathgeber, and sisters Lois (Allan) Derksen and Karen (Cyril) Mitra along with Arthur's family: Rosemary Peterson, Rose (Brian) Jerred, Jill (Murray) Johnson and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.


In lieu of flowers and other gifts the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Pilgrim's Hospice Society, 14504 - 90 Ave, Edmonton, AB T5R 4V2.