Joan S. Petersen passed away at the age of 84 on April, 2016. She was surrounded by the grace of God, the love and dignity of her family and loyalty of her friends. She fought a courageous fight against small cell lung cancer. Joan was born on October 24, 1931 to her parents, Dorothy and Francis Treanor of Winthrop. Winthrop was where Joan grew up, met her husband John and raised her 7 children. There was no place like home, Winthrop for Joan.

Joan had an enormous appetite for life and people. Most of her interests pertain in some way or another with the improvement of other peoples lives. She was an active member of Saint John’s the Evangelist Church in Winthrop. Also she was involved with the Cursillo Movement of the Archdiocese of Boston. She was a friend of Bill W. and a member of the Saturday night group for 38 years. She is a past president of the Emblem Club of Winthrop following in her mother’s shoes.

One of her other passions was gardening. Her love for gardening was infectious. The garden was her canvas, on which she painted. She would say digging in the dirt is good for the soul. Traveling was another interest of Joan’s. Whether cruising around the Mediterranean or through the Panama Canal, she love to voyage.  

Joan is survived by her beloved brother Warren Treanor and his wife Carol of Warrington PA., also her children; Janine Petersen of Winthrop, Ma., John and his wife Holly Petersen of Salem, Ma., Janice and her husband Joe DiFiore of North Conway N.H, Joe Petersen of Stoneham, Ma, Jeff and his wife Shari Petersen of Tempe, AZ., James and his wife Peg Petersen of Tewksbury Ma., Jay and his wife Janet Petersen of Cape Elizabeth ME.  Joan also leaves 12 loving grandchildren. Joan also leaves behind legions of friends that were near and dear to her. The Petersen family would like to thank them for their care and prays during her difficult time.

Joan’s compassionate heart, quick wit, huge smile and directing finger will be missed by so many. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the funeral home on Sunday, April 24, 2016 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Monday, April 25, 2016 at 10:30 AM followed by a funeral mass in St. John the Evangelist Church 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 11:30 AM. Interment to follow the mass in the Cross St. section of Winthrop Cemetery.

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