Obituary of Frances Petterson

Frances Petterson was born in the Lashburn and District Hospital on December 10, 1924. She was the sixth of twelve children born to Anton and Agnes Lundquist and raised on the family farm in the Dry Gully district North of Maidstone. She attended Dry Gully School, and completed her senior years of education by correspondence, with her final year in attendance in Maidstone. She then went to Normal School (later called Saskatoon Teachers’ College) in Saskatoon to pursue formal training as a teacher. From there, she was called to teach in Kinistino, where she met her future husband, Robert (Bob) Petterson. They married in July of 1949 and, after living at Kinistino for 4 years, moved to the Dry Gully district to farm near Frances’s childhood home. Wherever she lived, Frances was an active member of her community, known for her organizational abilities, her friendliness, and her sense of humour. She often was called upon to speak at events, and enjoyed incorporating humour into her speeches, poems or songs. She enjoyed music, and for several years was the piano player in a local dance orchestra, as well as regularly playing the piano at United Church services. She held formal roles on several local boards and committees, including the United Church, the Maidstone Museum, and the housing authority. With the support of Dr. Ted Marfleet, Frances organized a group referred to as the FLC - women from the Maidstone area who met regularly to have fun while learning to address weight management through nutrition and exercise. For several years, she was the “North of the Gully” correspondent for the Maidstone Mirror. Frances enjoyed being involved in various fundraising activities, including as co-director for plays that evolved into local dinner theatre. She was also heavily involved in organizing the original Smorgasbord at Milleton Hall - something that became an annual fundraising event for more than 60 years. Whether involved in team sports (such as curling or bowling) or solitary activities (such as knitting and crocheting), Frances always brought commitment, a sense of humour, and attention to detail. (This surely contributed to her curling team’s eight-ender!) She was especially proud of her family and their various accomplishments. Looking back on her life, she recently commented that although there were several ups and downs, she was happy to have experienced all the things she did. Frances died on November 1, 2020 in the Maidstone Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband (Bob), her son (Ross), her son-in-law (Hugh Wilkins), her daughter-in-law (Audrey Petterson), and by all eleven of her siblings. She is survived by her son (Darryl), her daughter (Annelle), her grandson (Kris), her granddaughter (Kara), and her great-granddaughter (Isabella Elias). In the current circumstances, there will not be a public service. But if there were, Frances would have wanted lots of music and singing, a few funny stories (at her expense!), and this poem printed on the service programs. I hold no dream of fortune vast, Nor seek undying fame. I do not ask when life is past That many know my name. I may not own the skill to rise To glory’s topmost height, Nor win a place among the wise, But I can keep the right. And I can live my life on earth Contented to the end If but a few shall know my worth And proudly call me friend. - Edgar Guest The immediate family will hold a private gathering at a later date. Please make donations in Frances’s memory through cheques payable to Pine Island Suites, Box 899, Maidstone, Saskatchewan, S0M 1M0