FRANCES PETERSON
April 14th, 1927 – December 31st, 2017

On one of the coldest days of the year, Sunday, December 31st, 2017, the heavens parted and a gentle warm breeze came and took our mom home to be with the Lord.  We are immersed with sadness and joy as we celebrate her life.  A daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma and great-grandma, aunt and friend, mom is now with the love of her life, our dad Ben.  She was predeceased by her parents, William and Mary Hobin; her beloved and never forgotten sister, Etta (Robert) Beattie, born 9 years earlier on the same day; her loving and devoted husband of 62 years, Benjamin Peterson; and son-in-law, Barry McLafferty in August 2017.  A life well lived, Fran is survived by her children: Nancy McLafferty, Ross (Carol) Peterson, and Joanne (Garry) Barber; her cherished grandchildren: Josh (Jenn) McLafferty, Lindsey (Jason) Ross, Karlie (Fred) Neal, and Megan, Rhys and Dorie Peterson; great-grandchildren: Ben and Saorise McLafferty, Macey and Brady Ross, Kayden Barber, Shea and Eastan Neal; as well as special nieces and nephew: Mary Lou (Gerry) Gieni, Pat (Brad) Gilbert, Grant (Layla) Beattie and their families.  Fran was born in Moose Jaw, SK and attended Ross School and Central Collegiate.  She graduated from Davidson Business College and started work at Robin Mood Mills, and in later years worked as a secretary for the Moose Jaw Public School Division.  Fran was a lifetime member of St. Andrews United Church.  She was a member of the U.C.W. (JCA’s) and devoted her time to various areas of the church.  She sang at weddings, belonged to the Queen Bee’s, curled in the Emerald League, love to play bridge, and travel with her husband and daughter Nancy.  A vivid and fixed memory of our mom will be with family and friends entertaining at the cottage at Buffalo Pound Lake.  She loved the sun and water and we will always remember her sitting at the edge of the water at the Little Beach built over 60 years ago by our dad and a few friends.  Mom had an incredible strength and determination about her that never ceased to amaze her family.  Her gentle and sincere spirit touched the lives of family and friends and she had the ability to make others feel special.  She lived a life of service to others with compassion, integrity and grace.  She loved life, loved to laugh, and considered everyday a true blessing.  In the last 5 1/2 years, mom struggled to stay connected due to dementia.  We lived on the edge of the unknown watching as her skills eroded and words disappeared.  It was like a thief running around in her head stealing precious memories.  Mom was a woman who embodied old-fashioned values like character and integrity.  We can never repay our mom for all the gifts she gave us, but we can live our lives by giving to others as much as she gave to us.  She will continue to be an inspiration to all that is good in the world and the world will be a better and more beautiful place because of our sweet mom.  In keeping with Fran’s wishes, a Private Graveside Celebration of her life will be held at Sunset Cemetery at a later date.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550