Westlake Village, CA - Gay Peterson passed away peacefully in her hometown of Westlake Village, CA on October 30, 2025 surrounded by family. Born in Glendale, Gay was the eldest daughter of film editor Louis J. Bender, and his wife Alice (Sprague) Bender. An original "Valley Girl," Gay grew up in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from Canoga Park High School and later attended UCSB where she met and married her husband of almost 67 years, John Peterson. John and Gay raised their 5 children in the Conejo Valley, eventually building a home on the lake in Westlake Village where they lived happily for more than 50 years. Gay was a long-time small business owner, homemaker, philanthropist and avid golfer. She was creative, adventurous and musically gifted, with hobbies ranging from sailing, skiing, playing both flute and guitar, and later, learning to fly a Cessna. Most of all, she loved to play golf and spend time with her family and friends.

Gay was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be remembered most for her kindness, quick wit, and as her name reflects, her ever-present smile and the joy with which she lived her life and loved the people around her.

Gay is survived by her 5 children- Cary (Charla) Peterson, Lori (Mark) Harden, Wendy York, Kelly (Steve) DeGennaro, and Kristin (Gary) Wat, as well as 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, her sister Jean Kirnan, nieces and nephews. She was cherished and will be missed by the many who love her.

Services will be private.