Marthe “Toni” Peterson of Coalhurst passed away suddenly on October 18, 2022, at the age of 74 years.

     Toni, as she liked to be called, was born to Frank and Marie Gillespie in Chicoutimi, Quebec on October 6, 1948.  Toni moved to Alberta with her parents at a young age, where she resided for the remainder of her life in various towns.  After marrying Alvin Peterson, in 1978, they resided outside Burdett until their divorce in 1985.  Shortly after this, Toni went back to college and upgraded her high school classes, prior to earning a certificate in Business and Accounting at the Lethbridge College. After moving around southern Alberta, Toni found her home in Coalhurst. 

       Over the years, she worked different jobs, leading to the Ability Resource Association, where she had multiple roles until retiring in 2013.  After retirement, Toni was active in the Coalhurst 55 Plus Society, in which she volunteered in their activities and enjoyed the comradery of the group.  In retirement Toni also joined the Royal Canadian Legion as another opportunity to socialize and meet new people.  She enjoyed being social and being around her many friends, especially, her close friend, and roommate, Linda (who followed the rule).

       Toni was an avid reader.  She read day in and day out, her entire life.  In the past year, she has most likely read more books than most of us our entire lives.  If she wasn’t reading, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and painting (mostly rocks) to pass the time.  Toni was the family seamstress, always happy to fix a zipper or hem a pair of pants!  She loved playing cards!! Specifically, not just playing, but beating you in crib, which she has passed on to her children and grandchildren.  Another hobby Toni enjoyed, and recently took back up with the help of her brother Mike, was fishing. 

       Toni is survived by her daughter, Desneiges (Trent) Smith, and her three sons, Jack, Paul, and Chris (Meghan) Peterson.  The greatest joy of her life were her grandchildren, Christine, Shelby, Jorja, Bennett, Logan, and Zeke.  She is also survived by her brother Mike (Diane) and sister, Pauline (Terry) as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families.

  She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Marie Gillespie, sister Betty, brother Pete.

       A Celebration of Toni’s life will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, on October 29, 2022 at the Coalhurst & District Community Center, 527 50 Ave, Coalhurst, Alberta.