KATHRYN JEAN PETERSON

We are absolutely heartbroken to announce the death of our mother, Kathryn Jean Peterson on September 24 2020, just days after her 67 th birthday.

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Mom was born on September 19th 1953 in a small French town outside of Montreal, Quebec. She was the third child of Norma and Robert Junker. She moved to Winnipeg with her mom, dad and siblings as a child. She attended Robert H Smith school as well as River Heights Junior High and Kelvin Highschool. Mom became a mother at a tender age. She married my dad, Douglas Epps and started raising her family steps away from her beloved childhood home on Cambridge Street. The union did not last and mom went on to have Erin, Devon and Logan. I remember clearly how ecstatic she was to learn she was finally going to have her baby boy she always wanted.  She loved all of us, we knew this. She also loved her long time partner and love of her life, Victor Peterson who we lost in 2006.

Mom went back to school when we were quite young to obtain her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba. Along the way she worked at Klinic and Knowles Youth Centre. My mom then became a long-time employee of Child and Family Services. Mom adored her families she worked with and was quite distraught when she had to retire in October 2019.  Mom had a wonderful sense of humor and marched to the beat of her own drum. She was a talented artist and loved her family and her dogs; Lexie, Brodie and Dash, whom are all residing with my sisters. She was a voracious reader and loved spending her summers at Blue Lake Ontario, both as a child and then as an mother herself with Victor, Devon, Logan and Erin.

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Some thoughts that have been expressed to me these past few days from her friends and colleagues have not gone unnoticed. She has been described as driven and tenacious at times. She truly was a fighter and beat cancer three times. I have memories of her standing up for a young Laura and I to our principal about accessing the free lunch program. She was an advocate for us and then, and for the families she worked with. I have been reminded that she told it like it was and loved to discuss politics.

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Mom is predeceased by her parents; Norma and Robert Junker and her partner Victor as well as nephew Daniel. She is already greatly missed by her siblings; Mary-Jane, Mike, and Lindy (David). Her children; Laura (Jamie), Sarah (Kevin), Erin (Rob), Devon and Logan. Her grandchildren; Liam, Cully, Jack, Sawyer, Ada, Riley, Olivia and Emma. She also leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephew; Melissa, Kailey, Natalie and Ben. Great nephews; Noah and Bo. She also leaves behind many cousins and Aunt Sam in Toronto. Mom's passing has affected her colleagues and clients from the past, as well as many friends and acquaintances.  she will also be remembered by two special people in her life , Tasha and Mitch.

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I would like to personally thank Dr. George at the Grace Hospital as well as the many lovely nurses and team. Your kindness and compassion will stay with me forever. Thank you.

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If people wish, they may make a donation in mom’s name to Animal Services or any pet shelter. There will be a service planned in the future when the whole family can be together to celebrate mom’s life.

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