Joan M. Peterson Orlando

Age 80 and longtime resident of Saugus, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Pilgrim Nursing Home in Peabody. She was born on September 24, 1936 in Lynn, the daughter of the late Norman and Tuerena (Banks) Peterson. She was raised and educated in Saugus and graduated from Saugus High School, Class of 1956. Joan was a homemaker who enjoyed taking care of her family. She had also worked at Prince Pizza on Rt. 1 for several years. Her specialty was the salad bar. Joan was a spiritual person who enjoyed painting. She also loved music and dancing. Joan’s love for the ocean brought her many hours of serenity. Her children and grandchildren brought her enormous joy. She was also very patriotic and proud to be an American. Joan was known for her love of hosting parties at her home. She liked nothing more that enjoying large gatherings of family and friends throughout the year, and always had an “open door” at her home.

Joan is survived by her sons; Craig Orlando and wife, Cherilyn of Saugus and Douglas Orlando and wife, Linda of Litchfield, NH, her daughter, Diana DiPesa and husband, Anthony of Saugus, Her brother, William Peterson of ME, her grandchildren; Casey, Caroline, Jake, Luke, Derek and Nathan. Many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive her. Joan was predeceased by her sister, Norma LaClair and husband, Richard and her sister-in-law, “Betty” Peterson.

Calling Hours are Friday, March 3, 2017 from 4-8 PM at Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn, MA 01904. Her funeral will begin on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 8:30 AM at the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Summer Street, Saugus, MA 01906. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, 134 Broadway, Lynn, MA 01904. Donations may be made to: North East Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970.