Mimi DeWitt Peery

Mildred DeWitt Peery, known and loved by all as "Mimi," passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at the age of 86. She was surrounded by her family, who sang to her and shared their final goodbyes at her bedside.

Mimi was born on August 5, 1939, in St. Johns, Arizona, to Wallace and Lorene Platt DeWitt. The vibrant and close-knit small town, as well as her bright and faithful parents, inspired in her a lifelong love of community, learning, music, and faith. She was so proud of St. John's and her family heritage, and anxiously anticipated becoming reacquainted with the neighbors and friends who nurtured her from her beloved hometown. She studied Elementary Education at Brigham Young University and, following graduation, became a schoolteacher in San Jose, California. There, through the Stanford Singles Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she met Richard Taylor Peery, who was taken with her genuine and down-to-earth personality, her wholehearted religious commitment, and her pure beauty. They were married for time and all eternity in 1966 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple and built a life together in Palo Alto, where they raised their 4 children and remained for the rest of her life. Their union has been a devoted, even legendary marriage of 60 years.

Mimi was a gifted pianist and accompanist who filled her home with music, performing popular 2-piano concerts and hosting countless recitals and other musical events. She inspired her children to learn music and to make it a part of their lives. She was a masterful quilter whose intricate quilts blessed the beds and homes of dear family and friends, and she annually made pajamas to give to her children on Christmas and eventually her 13 grandchildren. Well-read and well-informed, she brought class, culture, and warmth to everything she touched. She was a sports aficionado, loving to cheer on the 49ers, the Warriors, Stanford basketball teams, and especially, the Pinewood Basketball team. She could always be found cheering her children on from the bleachers, never failing to attend any of her children's games, whether they were playing or coaching.

A consummate host and gatherer of friends, she opened her home and her heart to countless people across the decades. As a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, she served as a Relief Society president, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, and in many other church leadership roles throughout the years. She possessed a rare gift of empathy, always ready to minister to and support loved ones through their most difficult times. She gracefully and generously hosted countless people in her home, and provided music, food and company for events large and small.

She adored and championed her children at every turn, rooting for them, defending them, listening to them, believing in them, making sure they learned the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Family Home Evenings, Family Prayers, and Family meals. Carrying on her mother Lorene's tradition of expressing her love through food, her children loved her homemade bread, her macaroni and cheese, a variety of brownie recipes, her ultra thin pancakes, and her enchiladas. She was the perfect companion and balance to her husband, characterized by her good humor, engaging conversation, infectious laugh and quiet strength. They were a team, always together in life's adventures. "Dick and Mimi" were almost always spoken in tandem. They were an unforgettable pair who adored each other's personalities, quirks, character, and their love never waned. On the contrary, their devotion seemed to grow increasingly through the years. While she never wished to linger in poor health, her family takes comfort in knowing she is now free, reunited with those who preceded her and awaiting the day they will meet again.

Mimi is survived by her beloved husband, Richard; her children, Dennis Peery, Jason Peery, Jennifer Peery, and David Peery; 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Kim DeWitt. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Lorene DeWitt, as well as her sisters, Gayle DeWitt and Greer King, and her baby brother, Wallace DeWitt Jr. She will be sorely missed by her beloved dog, Mia, Mimi's cherished and loyal companion over the past many years.