Memorial BilliJo (Peterson) Lackey

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BilliJo Lackey was born March 26, 1961, in the same ranch house that her dad, Jack Peterson, was born in, which was built by her grandfather, John (Kronholm) Peterson. She passed away April 3.

BilliJo was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Peterson; her father, Jack Peterson; and her sisters, Linda Jacobson and Connie Kimball. She is survived by her husband, Steve Lackey; her sisters, Mindi Dodd and Briana Jacobson, and her brother, Vaughn Jacobson. She is also survived by Mary (Filer) Peterson and her children, Debbie, Bill and Diane. Billi is also survived by her “children” that she loved very much who were her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She graduated from Pagosa Springs High School and attended school for travel and airline agents. BilliJo was always interested in improving herself, she attended several other schools, and notably she graduated with “Highest Honors” from Daytona State College in 2006 — associate of science in digital TV and media production. She also followed her dream of going to classes to do stand-up comedy and appeared on stage many times or in front of co-workers and friends. When we think of BJ, we remember her wonderful sense of humor. That is what she enjoyed the most — making people laugh. BilliJo was quite a character! She also enjoyed acting in several plays during high school and with The Pagosa Players.

She also began her love of cooking when she would help her mother in the kitchen and worked in restaurants honing her skills, including the Inn at the Pass with Kerry and Jerry Dermody. She and her husband, Steve, opened BJ’s Bluegrass Café in Telluride, Colo. Most recently, she was starting to write a cookbook with funny stories which would have combined her two favorite activities: cooking and comedy.

BJ was loved by so many people and will be greatly missed. Life is already sadder without her. There will be a celebration of her life in Pagosa Springs at the Parish Hall at 445 Lewis St. at 10 a.m. on June 30. There will be a potluck to follow; all are welcome to attend.