Peterson (Aide), Frances Dorothy

Frances Dorothy Peterson, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother (“GG”), wife, sister, daughter, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, at the remarkable age of 106.

She is lovingly remembered by her six children: Louis (Marlene), Leigh Halland, Joe (Evelyn), Patti (Pat) Sinclair, Kathleen (Richard) Hileman, and Ken (Rhonda); 17 grandchildren and their spouses; and 19 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Clayton Peterson; grandson, John Peterson; son-in-law, Martin Halland; her parents, William and Maggie Aide; and six sisters and two brothers.

Frances will be fondly remembered for her kind and gentle spirit, her devotion to family, and her deep love for her grandchildren. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the warmth she brought to every gathering.

Born in 1919 in Hardisty, Alberta, Frances was one of nine children. At 19, after completing Grade 12, she moved to Edmonton and began working in a dry goods warehouse. She married Clayton Peterson in 1943 and later worked in a bank until the birth of their first child, Louis, in 1945. In 1946, the family moved to Ponoka, where Clayton began his psychiatric nursing training at the Ponoka Hospital. There, they built their first home and continued to grow their family, welcoming Leigh, Joe, Patti, Kathleen, and Ken.

Frances was a devoted mother who poured her heart into raising her family. As her children married and grandchildren arrived, her joy multiplied. She was happiest when the house was full and everyone was together.

A natural organizer and joyful presence, Frances was the heart of family holidays and gatherings, always bringing people together through her warmth and laughter. She was a gifted storyteller and famous for her homemade cinnamon buns.

Frances was also a pillar in her community. She founded the Meals on Wheels program in Ponoka and was a lifelong member of the Catholic Women’s League. Passionate about learning and civic engagement, she served on the local school board after being elected in 1977, a role she cherished deeply.
Never one to let age define her, Frances embraced life with a sense of adventure. She took a European trip at 65 and went parasailing at 75. Her quiet strength, generosity, and zest for life left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

A celebration of Frances’s life was held on Thursday, August 21st, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Augustine Church, 5113 52 Ave, Ponoka.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online to Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in Ponoka or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Special thanks to the dedicated staff at Michener Extended Care in Red Deer for their compassion and care.

• Date : 2025-08-12
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home