MARYANN (WALDON) PETERSON

January 8, 1929 – January 4, 2026

Maryann, also known as Mern, passed gently away on January 4, 2026, just a few days shy of her 97th birthday.

She was predeceased by her husband Norman; her parents Harold and Willard (Dolmage) Waldon; her sister Elva; brother Tom and other cherished friends and family.

Remembering her with great love are her brother Donald, sister Beth, sisters-in-law Irene and Mary, and many nieces and nephews. She will be missed daily by her adoring children Glenn (Cathie), Lloyd (Brenda), Murray (Sandy) and Ellen (Rob). Fondly remembered by the luckiest grandchildren ever; Adam (Alyssa), Amie (Kaylen), Kate (Emily), Madeleine, Lucas (Sarah), Matthew (Katie), Colin (Julia), Scott (Kaitlyn), Beth (David), Carly, and Griffin. In recent years she was thrilled to make the acquaintance of 12 great-grandchildren; Paige, Emma, Maya, James, Smith, Cooper, Waverly, Henry, Sophie, Bennett, Ellie and Addison.

Born in Winnipeg, she spent a happy childhood in Vita, Manitoba, where her father was the local doctor. In 1939 her parents built a cottage at Florence Lake, and this “piece of heaven” was her heart’s home. She instilled her deep love of nature and community in all of us.

She attended Lord Selkirk School (where she set a Provincial High Jump Record), United College, and the Ontario Institute of Child Study, where she earned a diploma in Early Childhood Education. She had a long, lively career as a Kindergarten teacher. Five-year-olds were her favourite people. No child ever graduated from her classroom without knowing, among other things, how to tie their own shoes.

In 1956 she married Norman Peterson, and this was the start of another great series of adventures. They moved to Ontario for several years, where Norm started his woodcarving business. She was endlessly supportive of him in this risky venture, gamely keeping the books despite detesting math in all its forms. They built a successful business together, despite Maryann being famously bad at sales.

In 1976 they moved home to Manitoba, and built another piece of heaven on the Red River in Narol. Norm died much too soon in 1989, but Mern carried on gallantly, taking over the gardening and travelling the world.

Maryann’s was a joyful and adventurous spirit. She was always ready for a good time. She loved to sing, dance, knit, play the piano, bake bread, and above all: laugh. Her sense of humour was legendary, even in her last years when she spoke calmly of the coming day when she would “fall off her twig.” She loved music and swimming and a whisky sour. She loved her kids and grandkids best of all, and we are eternally blessed with the care she gave us and the example she set. We will think of her every time we go for a drive to “stretch our eyes,” when we play cribbage, and when we cheer for the Bombers. We will try to carry on as she would have; bravely and with good cheer. As she was fond of saying, “ever onward!”

To the staffs and residents of Sterling House, the Misericordia Hospital, and Middlechurch Home, we can’t thank you enough for your kindness, professionalism and care.

Private family celebrations will be held at a later date.

In Maryann’s memory, please consider a donation to the Vita and District Health Centre, Parkinson Canada, or the children’s charity of your choice.