Helen Denise Peterson

Helen Denise Peterson, age 66, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026. She was born on August 26, 1959, in Dayton, where she was also raised and remained a lifelong resident, deeply rooted in the community she loved.

Helen was a woman of strength, wisdom, and unwavering faith. She pursued education with determination, earning two associate’s degrees—one to become a Physician Assistant from Kettering College and the other from Sinclair Community College—followed by a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with organizational leadership from Urbana University and a Master of Science in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. Her commitment to learning reflected her belief in growth, purpose, and setting an example for those around her.

Helen dedicated over 30 years of her life to the healthcare field, where she made a lasting impact through her compassion, knowledge, and advocacy for others. She began her career as an outpatient coder at Miami Valley Hospital and continued to grow professionally, ultimately serving as a Healthcare Advocate with Optum Insight, a branch of UnitedHealthcare. Through every role she held, Helen exemplified integrity, empathy, and a tireless dedication to advocate on behalf of others. Helen’s career was more than a profession—it was a reflection of her heart for helping people and making a difference in their lives.

She found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. Helen had a gift for crocheting, a love for singing, and a passion for cooking and baking—especially her famous sweet potato pies, banana pudding and her 7-layer salad. Music filled her life, and she could often be found attending concerts and festivals, enjoying every beat and moment. Known for her quick wit and sense of humor, Helen never missed an opportunity to share a joke—even at the most unexpected times—bringing laughter and light to those around her.

More than anything, Helen was a devoted and loving mother. She poured her heart into raising her daughter, Eva Serene Peterson-Smith, and took great pride in the woman she became. Helen also had a special gift for being present for others—serving as a trusted friend, confidant, and counselor to many who were blessed to know her. A devout Christian, Helen lived her life guided by her faith. She was an active and dedicated member of her church, faithfully attending Bible study and supporting her church family in any way she could. Her relationship with God was her foundation, her strength, and her compass.

Helen is survived by her beloved daughter, Eva Serene Peterson-Smith; her brothers, Clarence Jr. (Denise) Peterson and John (Barbara) Peterson; and her sisters, Judith Finley and Carol Eason. She is also survived by a host of extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Sr. and Eva Peterson, and her oldest sister, Nancy Egler. Helen’s life was one of love, faith, laughter, and service. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to bring comfort, strength, and smiles for years to come.

Funeral Service 11 am Monday, April 13, 2026 at Summit Christian Church, 4021 Denlinger Rd., Trotwood, OH. Visitation 9 am- 11 am. Family will receive friends from 10 am- 11 am. Interment West Memory Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family prayerfully request that memorial donations be made in Helen's honor to Summit Christian Church. May these gifts serve as a reflection of faith and a continuation of the love adn kindness she shared with others.  

Summitt Christian Church

4021 Denlinger Road

Trotwood, OH 45426

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