Logan, Utah: Annette Bickmore Donavan Peterson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father at her home in Logan on the 8th of March 2008.

She was born to William G. and Otilla R. Gassman Bickmore on October 10, 1924 in Logan, Utah. She was their only daughter and had five brothers: Byron Bickmore (deceased), Eugene G. (Betty) Bickmore (deceased), William G. (Maurine) Bickmore, Donald G. (Margaret) Bickmore and baby Bickmore (deceased).

Annette had a wonderful childhood growing up on the Island in Logan with her parents, brothers and friends. It was one of those “old-fashioned” neighborhoods where everyone seemed an extended family. Her parents were devoted, hard-working, family people. These stable and simple beginnings rendered her virtues of unfailing honesty, intense loyalty to family, and strength to endure. Annette and her brothers often remarked that they didn’t have much money growing up, but never knew it because they were so happy.

Annette attended Logan City Schools throughout her lifetime beginning with Wilson Elementary and graduating from Logan High School in 1942, when World War II was raging. She arrived at Utah State University with an astute mind, wide-eyed enthusiasm and a musical talent she had carried since childhood. She sang beautifully and could play the piano as the gifted do “by ear.” Annette played the piano for many dances and sing-a-longs and could be coaxed to play a mean “boogie-woogie.”

While at USU, Annette joined Kappa Delta Sorority and also became an ROTC Sponsor. While at the University she met and married Jack Hilder Donavan. He received his BS degree from USU and a master’s degree from the University of Utah in geology. They lived and traveled in several states with Amerada Oil Company. Jack died an untimely death at the age of 32 from Hodgkin’s disease. From that marriage came two children: Christine Ann Donavan, and John William (Maurine) Donavan, and ultimately five grandchildren, Jennifer Donavan (deceased), Michelle (Jon) Raym, Kelley (Jeremy) Howard, Scott (Mandy) Donavan, and Jordan William Donavan and five great-grandchildren to this date.

After her husband’s death, Annette and her children came back to Logan to be near family and to finish her degree in Business Administration. During this time she met and married Clarence “Clair” B. Peterson on July 23, 1958 and was asked to teach at USU in the Business department. She did so for approximately 10 years. Clair graduated in Pharmacy from the University of Utah in 1960. He and Annette owned and operated the Towne Pharmacy and the Plaza Pharmacy in Logan for many years. Clair devoted himself to Annette’s children and later to the grandchildren wholly and completely.

Annette was a devoted family person, and was the heart and soul of our family. She dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren. They were her joy. Annette loved nothing better than to throw Sunday and holiday get-togethers, We had memorable reunions with both the Bickmore and Donavan families at the Bear Lake cabin. In particular, she loved having sleep-overs with the grandchildren when they were young and treasured especially her time tending Jennifer when her mother went back to school. Clair and Annette had many friends and belonged to two small dinner clubs in Logan, one of which met monthly for over 40 years.

Annette was an outstanding person who had a pure heart and a gentle spirit. She was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a member of the Lundstrom Park 3rd Ward. She had been a Gospel Doctrine teacher in that ward and she enjoyed her latest assignment of Relief Society visiting teacher recorder.

Those who wish to honor her at her passing may attend a viewing on Wednesday, March 12, from 6-8 p.m. at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street, Logan. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM, Thursday, March 13, 2008 at the Lundstrom Park 3rd Ward Chapel, 1260 North 1600 East with a viewing from 10:30-11:30 prior to services. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Allen Mortuaries.