July 13, 1941 – July 3, 2015
Joan was born in Lytton, B.C., on what was then the hottest day in Canadian history, to Leslie and Millicent (Millie) Eggleton, and was christened Marilyn Joan Eggleton. Joan grew up on the Cloverdale-Langley border, along with older brother Peter, and younger sister Judy. She taught in Cloverdale, Oliver, and Vancouver from 1961 to 1967. Joan married Larry Peterson July 4, 1964 and they began their family in 1967, in the Comox Valley, with the birth of son, Mikal, in Cumberland hospital, followed by daughter, Elaine, in 1970, and second daughter, Debra, in 1972. Joan became very active in the community with Scouts, Brownies, Guides, Music Festivals, Highland Dancing, and other dance programs. In fact, on one day in 1981 she was the most important person in the Comox Valley as she was the Census Commissioner. As was her style, in 1990 she challenged herself to complete her UBC degree and received a Bachelor of Education in 1993. Another challenging and fulfilling adventure was her dedication to St. John's Anglican Church programs; including Sunday School and Mothers' Union. Mothers' Union is a program within the Anglican Church, which supports mothers and families world wide. Joan began as chair of the local chapter and eventually, from 1992 – 1996, served as the President for all of Canada.
Joan was a person of strong abilities and convictions. She loved her family, her friends, her church, and her community. She pursued what she wanted, not in a frivolous way, but in a way that fulfilled these convictions.
Our family, Larry, Mikal, Elaine, and Debra, are truly amazed and forever grateful for Joan's committed, unselfish, focused, intelligent, and loving role as wife, mother and citizen.
A huge thank you to staff and volunteers at The Views in St. Joseph's Hospital. The facilities are good, and the people are outstanding.