Lisa Peterson

In Loving Memory of Lisa Peterson

Lisa Peterson’s life was defined by her devotion to family, her generous spirit, and her passion for bringing joy to others.

She was born on March 20, 1942, in New York to Joseph L. Bach and Elizabeth McCracken Bach. In her early years, she moved with her family to Provo, Utah, where she developed lifelong friendships and a close bond with her parents.

Lisa graduated from Orem High School and later pursued her love of creativity and style, studying fashion design at Woodbury College in Los Angeles, California.

Lisa later married Daniel Ishii in the historic Fort McNair Chapel in Washington, D.C., where they welcomed their first son, Mark. In early 1966, the young family relocated to San Francisco, California, to be near Daniel’s immediate relatives. While living in San Francisco, Lisa gave birth to their second son, Carl. She embraced her years in California with devotion, spending a decade focused on raising her children and creating a warm, nurturing home filled with love and stability.

In 1976, Lisa made the heartfelt decision to return to her roots. She moved back to Orem, Utah, with her family to be closer to her parents. Reconnecting with old acquaintances and meeting new friends came naturally to her, and before long, she had built a strong community around her. Many remember her as someone who could strike up a conversation with anyone and who genuinely cared about the people in her life.

One of the hallmarks of Lisa’s character was her extraordinary hospitality. She loved hosting parties and gatherings of all sizes, from summer barbecues to holiday feasts, and she was famous for her cooking. Every event featured a full spread of home-cooked food. She poured love into her recipes, whether it was a simple weeknight dinner or a full Thanksgiving banquet. Friends and family often recall walking into her kitchen to find tables filled with delicious barbecue, home-cooked casseroles, and sweet treats. Her parties weren’t just about food—they were about community and love. Lisa had a gift for making every guest feel special, and she created memories at those gatherings that people still cherish.

Lisa’s generosity extended well beyond her talent for entertaining. She had a compassionate, nurturing heart and was always ready to help those around her. It was not uncommon for her to offer a spare bedroom—or even a couch—to friends and relatives going through a difficult time. Her children remember that growing up, their household often included an “extra” friend or family member for a while, as Lisa never hesitated to share her home.

When Lisa wasn’t taking care of people, she was caring for animals. She loved her pets dearly, and her home always included at least one cat or dog. Her affection for cats turned into a unique hobby. For several years, Lisa raised Persian cats and regularly competed in cat shows. She dedicated time to grooming her Persians and preparing them for competition. She enjoyed socializing with fellow cat enthusiasts and took pride in her cats’ accomplishments. Her involvement in cat shows was a celebration of her love for animals and the joy they brought into her life.

Lisa’s marriage to Daniel Ishii later ended in divorce, but in time, she was blessed to find love again with Dallas Henry Peterson. Together, they built a warm and joyful life in Provo, where friendship and love were always at the center. They shared many happy years together until Dallas’s passing in 2023.

Lisa Peterson’s legacy lives on in the hearts of the many people and animals whose lives she touched. She is survived by her two sons and their wives, Mark (Paige) Ishii and Carl (Lori) Ishii. She was a loving grandmother to Madison and Sienna (daughters of Mark and Paige), and to McKaylah (Michael) and McKenzie (daughters of Carl and Lori). She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Berlin, Dodge, Iris, and Odin. Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her to love a little more, give a little more, and welcome others with open arms just as she always did.

As we say goodbye to Lisa Peterson, we celebrate a life well-lived—a life filled with love, hospitality, generosity, and compassion. Lisa will be deeply missed, but her spirit of kindness and her tradition of caring for others will remain with us all.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 19, 2025 at the Berg Drawing Room Chapel, 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah. Inurnment will follow in the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended online at www.bergmortuary.com.