Joan Marina (Banks) Peterson passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on Sunday, February 12th. Born on December 20, 1934 to Raymond and Mae (Clark) Banks, Joan was raised in her beloved Barkers Point with her eight brothers and sisters. She married the love of her life, Pat Peterson on November 30, 1957, and "immigrated" to Marysville. In her early years, Joan worked at the Cotton Mill and for the Canadian Army, and later volunteered as a reader and as a Chinese cooking teacher at the Fredericton Public Library. But her great passion was being a stay-at-home mom to her four children, Christopher Todd (1960-1966); Patti Lynn; Angela Dawn, and Brett Anthony. She was a wife and mother with no equal, cultivating a sense of home and comfort for all who entered her doors. The songs she sang and the stories she wove will forever be imprinted on her children and grandchildren.
Joan’s capacity to love and care for others extended to her precious brothers and sisters, and to her close circle of friends who brought her joy and laughter throughout her life. She and Pat have been blessed to have shared their adventures, travels, joys and tears with so many who loved them and brightened their lives. Joan was also filled with pride over her nine grandchildren: Janssen (J.P.) Kirby, Brandon Kirby, Chelsea Kirby, Kathryn Kirby, Julien Lauffer, Noah Lauffer, Elliot Buckley, Simon Peterson and Lea Peterson; as well as her two great-grandchildren, Ezra Woodworth and Arthur Kirby.
Joan was a member of Crosspoint Church in Marysville, New Brunswick. During her final year, she has been pastored and prayed over by Tim Donovan and Geraldine Hanscomb, her neighbours in Frederick Hall, Shannex Parkland. Joan’s family wish to acknowledge the outstanding support received by all staff and caregivers at Shannex as she reached the end of her life. Without fail, there was someone to walk with, to dance with and to laugh with. Dr. Kelsey Cameron, Carla Nicholas, Joanne Johnson and the entire staff made Joan’s transition from this world as gentle as it could possibly have been.
As Alzheimer’s took more and more from Joan over the final 10 years of her life, her husband Pat devoted his life to caring for her, loving her and cherishing her. Learning how to cook, clean and provide personal care to his wife became Pat’s only priority during Joan’s final years. When full-time support became essential for her safety, Pat continued to spend seven days a week at her side. Barring anything but a natural disaster, he arrived at Shannex at 9 a.m. each day. His love for his "little buttercup" was forever and unchanging.
Joan was pre-deceased by her sweet boy, Christopher Todd; by her parents, Raymond and Mae Banks; by her siblings, Carol, Larry and Danny Banks; and by her dear sister-in-law Judy (Bill) Banks. She is survived by her husband, Pat Peterson; her children, (Patti Peterson, Angela Lauffer and Brett (Jan) Peterson); her nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Bill (Gayle) Banks, Doug (Nora) Banks, Barb (Dave) Wilson, Betty White, Ken (Maryella) Banks, and sisters-in-law Judy (Larry) Banks and Barb Stever (Danny) Banks.
A celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Crosspoint Church, 4 Coronation Court, Fredericton, New Brunswick with Rev. John Symonds officiating. The family will greet friends at an informal reception to be held at Crosspoint immediately following the service. Interment will be held in the spring.
Those who wish to honour Joan may do so with a donation to the New Brunswick Alzheimer’s Society.
Funeral arrangements entrusted with Bishop’s Funeral Home (458-1885). www.bishopsfuneralhome.com