Obituary of Joanne Peterson

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear Mother Joanne Peterson. She was predeceased by her loving husband Andrew Gustaf Peterson of 50 years and her devoted companion Thomas Edwin Matthews, her daughter Karen Leslie Peterson and her dear sister Beryl Garrett (Virgil). She will be deeply missed by her beloved daughter Lorraine Jaffray (Bruce) and her son David Augustaf Peterson. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Courtney, Kris (Gaelan), Emilie and her sweet great grandson Everett. Joanne will be missed by her nieces Anne and Jane, Pam and nephew Paul, her dear friend Priscilla, Tom’s children Brian (Jeannine) and Charles (Kathy) and many family & friends. Joanne was born and spent her early years in Toronto where she became a serious student of music and dance. She spent a year with her family in England living with her grandmother and on their returned to Canada they took up residence in Ottawa where she enrolled in Nepean High School and then Lisgar Collegiate graduating in 1941. She obtained a secretarial diploma from Dunbar Business College and worked during the war for the Treasury Board. Joanne studied singing and was a member of the Ottawa Women’s Junior choir, the Orpheus Operatic Society, the RA Drama Club and later the RA Operatic society. In 1945 she met her future husband Andrew who was a pilot in the RCAF. They married in 1947 and started their family while Andrew pursued a career in education. After joining Britannia Yacht Club in 1965 they became sailing enthusiasts buying their first boat a 24’ ‘Shark’. It was here that they made so many wonderful and enduring friendships. Eventually they joined Trident Yacht club sailing the Thousand Islands and Lake Ontario. After Andrew’s retirement they outfitted their 37’ Yawl “Alicia” in preparation for a trip down the Intracoastal Waterway to Florida sailing the Caribbean waters for eight years. Her many sailing journals formed the basis for many published articles in ‘Cruising World’ and ‘Sailing Canada’. She has also published a book “The Reluctant First Mate” about their sailing adventures. Joanne leaves behind many unpublished stories and poems. Land eventually called and they established a winter home in Naples, Florida until Andrew’s passing in 1998. Later finding loving companionship with Tom Matthews, a dear friend, the two enjoyed 18 wonderful years together until Tom’s passing 19 days prior to Joanne. Our family wishes to express our deep appreciate for the care and love that was provided for Joanne and Tom by Bonnie Lacroix and Dr. Christine Billie and all the wonderful and devoted staff at The Courtyards on Eagleson. A private family service will take place at a later date.