Peterson, Lois

LOIS MARLENE PETERSON (née JOHNSON) passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at the age of 75 years, surrounded by her family. She fought hard to stay alive until her grandson could be by her side shortly before she passed. She knew her family was there and she smiled at many great memories right up until the end.

Lois was born on March 20, 1946 in Wetaskiwin to Ernest and Mae Johnson. At the age of 20, Lois met the love of her life, Wayne Peterson, while working at the Wetaskiwin Treasury Branch.  They married on April 8, 1967.  Together they raised five children: Michele Thompson, Christina (Peter) Szabo, Michael (Robyn) Peterson, Marilyn Peterson and Ken (Carmen) Peterson and loved their nine grandchildren: Skylar (Madison), Brandon, Nicole (David), Madeline, Gabriella, Elizabeth, John, Christopher and Kendra. She is also survived by her siblings: Barbara (Noel) Foster, Ron (Verna) Johnson, Alvin (Lorna) Johnson, Dale (Shirley) Johnson and Carrol Heinrichs and numerous nieces and nephews. Lois had a very close relationship with her dad whom she missed dearly.

She was predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Mae Johnson, in-laws George and Mary Peterson, brother Norman Johnson, his wife Betty and brother-in-law, Richard Heinrichs.

Growing up on the family farm, Lois had many fond memories and stories that she loved sharing with her children and grandchildren. She always enjoyed going back home to visit with her large family.

Lois worked at Vermilion College and held various jobs, but her greatest joy was raising her children. She was the best wife, mother and grandmother and was selfless in all of her actions. She always put her family first over everything. She loved her family with her whole heart and would do anything for them. Lois suffered with M.S. for 20 years, but that never stopped her from living life to its fullest. She loved camping in B.C. at Gold Creek, going to Wendover, playing cards and just being with family and friends. Throughout Wayne's job at the bank, they travelled around Alberta, met many wonderful people and made so many lifelong friends like the Lefflers, Thurstons, VandenBroeks and many others.

Mom was a beautiful soul with the most loving smile and blue eyes that lit up when she saw her family. She had gorgeous red hair and loving hands to nurture her family. Her Catholic faith was the basis of her life and passing these beliefs on to her children and grandchildren was very important to her. Mom was a great cook and loved making homemade birthday cakes, soups, baked beans, and sweets. We all aspired to be half as good a cook as Mom.

Besides her children, her greatest joy was her grandchildren. She babysat them all and nothing was as special as spending time with Grandma Lulu having tea and cookies, playing games, reading books or playing hockey mini-sticks. She loved watching the kids dance, play sports and hearing about all of their adventures and successes. One of the last joys she had was watching John play with the Edmonton Oil Kings against the Hurricanes in Lethbridge. Covid took away a lot of time from us all, so she was so proud our whole family was able to celebrate this amazing experience together. Mom couldn't wait to see her grandchildren and was so proud of each of them.

A private Prayer Service will be held on Monday, December 20, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Frank Peta officiating.

A private Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating, with cremation to follow. Both the Prayer Service and Funeral Mass will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Lois' obituary on the Cornerstone website.

In memory of Lois, donations and tributes may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heartandstroke.ca)