Frances Peterson

In Loving Memory of

Frances Peterson

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

With heavy hearts, we said farewell to our mother Frances Peterson (nee Sallie) on February 11, 2022, at the Wynyard hospital, at the age of 93.

Frances was born on June 4, 1928, to William and Josephine Sallie, one of ten children. Frances said their family lived like gypsies, starting in the Rosedale area and ending in Elfros. Frances was somewhat of a loner and enjoyed being with her mom, Josephine. You would find them out tending the garden or picking berries and mushrooms or sometimes digging senega root which they would sell to the local doctor for medicine. She enjoyed school sports days, skating, and singing. In 1948 she lost her father to a sudden death. Frances, at age 25, chose to stay at home in Elfros and care for her unwell mother. She grew into a strong and independent woman. In 1951, her first and only son Richard, AKA Rick, was born. She made a life for Rick with her mom while she worked at the Elfros Cafe serving her famous cinnamon buns and later as a switchboard operator at the Elfros Rural Telephone Company.

On July 18, 1964, Frances married the love of her life, Cleve Peterson. Frances, Cleve and Rick moved onto the Peterson farm North of Elfros. Shirley was born in 1965 and Wanda in 1966. Frances spent 30 years mixed farming with Cleve, in sickness and in health. As Cleve was often sick and unable to work, Frances in her mid 40’s obtained her driver's license! At age 50 she started working at Plains Poultry to help keep the farm and family afloat. She retired at age 65. Frances spent the following year travelling with Cleve “by train, plane and boat”, as Frances would say. They went to British Columbia, Alaska, and Thunder Bay, Ontario and would have loved to travel more but Cleve passed away in August of 1994.

Frances lived alone on the farm, learning to be a plumber and electrician and general Mrs. Fix-It. She wasn’t afraid to tackle anything, and she loved to learn and try new things. She loved watching the birds in her garden, the gophers in the yard and animals in the pasture or fields. The Peterson Farm gained Century Status in 2003. Frances remained on the farm until 2007. She then enjoyed living in Foam Lake and Wynyard. A few years ago, the farm was sold to family.

Frances loved gardening and growing her prided lilies, roses, and peonies. It is quite likely that half of Elfros still has her lilies growing in their yards. Adelaide roses were her favourite. Frances held roles in the Ladies Aid, Union Church, Elfros Legion, 4-H Garden Club, Horticultural Society and the skating clubs of Elfros. Throughout her life she loved bowling, curling, and skating, but most of all, spending time with both immediate and extended family. She was famous for her family gatherings and reunions, trying to keep the family ties. She would also include people who were alone or those who didn't have family close by to spend holidays and celebrations with them. Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidering, and making small crafts to sell. She helped her grandchildren by making perogies and cabbage rolls to raise funds for school trips and music functions. Wanda's girls, Megan and Lindsay, dubbed her “Perogie Grandma” and a lot of their friends and Wanda's friends called her that too! They would roll and pinch and drink “blueberry” tea and Frances would get the giggles after just having one! She also made perogies and cabbage rolls for many functions in town. The church requested her perogies for their fundraisers over the years.

Shirley's two boys, Chevy and Michael, learned the importance of family from their grandma. Along with that, Megan and Lindsay gained the love of plants and gardening.

Frances loved music. She would listen, dance, and sing along any time she could. She was supportive and proud of all her family’s music accomplishments. In her later years she was at every concert for her grandkids. She was part of the Wynyard monthly dances, watching Shirley sing with her friends.

Frances loved to joke around, especially at the chicken plant. She had an infectious laugh and loved telling stories. She loved playing cards with friends and family, and it was hard to beat her in crib even as she got older.

Frances was predeceased by her husband Cleve, son-in-law Glenn Olesen, mother Josephine, father William, brothers Carl, Victor, John and Mike, sisters Mary, Josephine, Nellie, infant sister Minnie, and twin sister Ann as well as her in-laws and many other relatives. She leaves to mourn her son Rick Sallie, daughter Shirley and Cliff Johnson and their children Chevy and Michael Johnson, and daughter Wanda Olesen and children Megan and Lindsay Holizki as well as her sister-in-law Joyce Grimson and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.