Dina Peterson Friedman

Dina Peterson Friedman passed away beautifully and peacefully on May 17, 2017, in her home overlooking her cherished lake and mountains after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on January 29, 1945, Dina graduated from Manson High School in 1963 as Salutatorian of her class, an Apple Blossom Princess, and a cheerleader. She spent most of her childhood summers adventuring in Stehekin where she attended the Stehekin school for fifth grade. She had the Chelan valley deeply rooted in her soul and was happiest in the hills of her apple orchard or on the waters of the lake.

Dina graduated in 1967 from Mills College in California with a BA in English Literature. During her senior year at Mills, she met her future husband of almost 50 years, Richard (Dick) Friedman, with whom she had two sons who always brought her immense joy. A devoted mother, Dina delighted in raising her sons in the close-knit community of Bainbridge Island where she took part in volunteering, cooking and baking co-ops, book club, and other activities with friends and family. She also loved the arts and all creative pursuits, to include playing the hammered dulcimer and Irish harp, collecting African and Native American handicrafts, and making beautiful hand-crafted jewelry with exotic beads or sculpted into designs of her own making. 

After sending both boys off to college back east, Dina and Dick moved into their newly-built home of her design on the shores of Green's Landing where she loved entertaining anyone who crossed her threshold. Once their sons returned to Washington State to raise their own families, Dina and Dick traveled back and forth over the mountains to spend time with and cheer on their five grandchildren as they competed in water polo, swimming, and soccer, and performed in concerts and choir shows. Dina was an enthusiastic grandmother who spent hours baking blackberry pies for family gatherings or making her much-loved raspberry freezer jam, and joining any and all family events with a beautiful smile on her face and joy in her heart.

Along with Dick, Dina is survived by her son Jason, his wife Janet, and their three children, Emma, Garrett and Troy (of University Place), as well as her son Jordan, his wife Elizabeth, and their two children, Matthew and Katie (of Mercer Island). 

Additionally, she is survived by a large extended family as well as numerous dear friends, all of whom she cherished beyond measure. Dina was pre-deceased by her father, Art Peterson, her mother, Dorothy Peterson, and her brother, Dale Peterson, all of Manson.

Dina's greatest joy in life was her family, and she treasured each one of them, always collecting and saving special trinkets or stories or photos that she thought would make them feel special. As the family historian, she collected years of photographs, memorabilia and stories and was able to remember and share minute details of every encounter she had with family and friends. She was most gifted in loving unconditionally and being her family’s greatest fan and cheerleader.

Dina was dearly loved by her family and friends who were blessed by her immensely kind and gracious soul and her boundless devotion. They wish to express their gratitude for the outpouring of kindness and support from the Lake Chelan community during her courageous battle with cancer.

The family will hold a celebration of Dina’s life later this summer in Manson. In honor of her love of animals and nature and her desire to leave a more beautiful world to her grandchildren, Dina’s family has designated the World Wildlife Fund (https://www.worldwildlife.org/) for memorial contributions.