Joan Marion Peterson

The family apologizes for the delay in this announcement, but if you knew our mother, she would understand because she was late for everything. All kidding aside, as the family matriarch, she will be missed and will remain in our memories forever.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Wesley L. Peterson, MD; her parents, Marion and Cyril Cook; her brother, David; and her sister Marjorie. She is survived by her sister Carol of Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She is also survived by her three sons: Andrew John (Jessica), Guy Wesley (Cynthia), and Matthew Cook. In addition, she leaves behind five grandchildren: Amy Nation, Michael Peterson, Nolan Peterson, Drew Peterson, and Danielle Peterson, along with three great grandchildren.

Joan was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 14, 1925, and grew up in Oak Park. She was working at Hines Hospital outside Oak Park when she met her future husband, Wesley, who was interning there after medical school. They married on February 10th, 1950, in Oak Park. Once Wesley finished his military service (Air Force) in Denver, Colorado and Cheyenne, Wyoming, the couple moved to Sarasota in 1954. In 1959 they moved into a brand-new home on Camino Real—a dirt road at the time— and their house backed up to the newly formed Field Club. Joan and Wesley joined the Club in early 1960, and she remained an active member for over 63 years. Joan was proud that her family had four active Field Club memberships—which, at the time of her death, may have been the most of any family at the Club. She was a fixture within the Field Club social scene, regularly participating in bridge, tennis, boating, and bowling (yes, the Field Club had a woman’s bowling league, and she bowled a 278).

Those who knew Joan were unfailingly impressed by her duplicate bridge skills. She was a Sapphire Life Master and played at the Field Club, local bridge organizations, and traveled across the country to participate in tournaments. Up into her 90s, she continued playing the game about which she was most passionate. Joan also loved fashion and was known for her sense of style; she believed it was important to “make a statement” in what you wore and how you presented yourself. Her maiden name was “Cook,” and that she was. Our families will enjoy her vast recipes for generations.

Joan was a wonderful mother and dedicated her time to raising her three sons. She was always busy taking them to swim practice, swim meets, tennis tournaments — and just trying to keep track of them!

A private family service will be held at St. Boniface Church. A Celebration of Life event will be scheduled in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Boniface Church on Siesta Key.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wiegandbrothers.com for the Peterson family.