Obituary of Joyce O. Peterson

Joyce Olin Peterson, age 81, longtime resident of Lewiston and Niagara Falls, died Tuesday December 22, 2009 in Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, after a brief illness. Joyce was born October 18, 1928 in Rockford, IL, the daughter of the late George and Mathilda (Lindquist) Olin. She graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign in Urbana, IL with a degree in Journalism, and received her Master's Degree in Education from Buffalo State Teachers College. Joyce had worked as an Advertising Copywriter and as Teacher at the 99th Street Elementary School in Niagara Falls. In the 1980's she was a Counselor at the Every Women's Opportunity Center in Niagara Falls. Joyce was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Niagara Falls. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity of Niagara and the Literacy Volunteers of Niagara County. Joyce was also volunteered for and was a Board Member of the Community Mission in Niagara Falls. She was married to John Albert Peterson on October 28, 1950. John predeceased her in 1989. She is survived by her children, Gretchen Peterson (Leverett Smith) of El Cerrito, CA, Jeffrey (Linda) Peterson of Union, NJ, and Judith (Michael) Plotnick of Juneau, AK; and three grandchildren, Lea, Joseph, and Adrian. She was predeceased by two brothers, John and Roger Olin. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, December 28, at 2:00 PM in the Unitarian Universalist Church, 639 Main St., Niagara Falls, with the Rev. Theresa Kime officiating. There will be no prior visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Niagara, Community Mission of Niagara Falls, Literacy Volunteers of Niagara County, or to Every Women's Opportunity Center. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston.