Joanne Petersson
On July 1, 2026, the world lost a kind and compassionate soul, Joanne Petersson (nee Wong).
Her short battle with cancer did not stop her from being generous with her time; from seeing the funny side of life or dreaming about what she’d eat next.
After graduating with a psychology degree from the University of British Columbia, she ventured North in 1992 to help “manage” her niece and nephews in Yellowknife, NT. The short stay ended up being 21 years. She found work at Adam Dental Clinic where she was supported to continue her education as a dental assistant. It was in Yellowknife that she met and married John-Eric Petersson. A few years later, sons Torsten and Anders arrived to liven up her life. She honed her skills in home construction when the family built a cabin on Tibbit Lake, NT, with Hilda and David Weaver, which became a place of peace and refuge. A move to Whitehorse in 2013 meant new ventures – camping in the mountains, moose hunting, and a career at Yukon Dentistry/Riverstone Dental Clinic.
One of Joanne’s greatest ambitions was to fill the stomachs of family and friends. Who can forget the incredible cake creations for birthdays or massive cookie trays at Christmas?
Joanne is survived by her husband John-Eric, and sons Torsten and Anders. She is lovingly remembered by her parents, Ben and Lois Wong (Regina, SK), her sisters and their families: Mabel Wong Tam (Yellowknife, NT), and Leanna Glaser (Calgary, AB): father-in-law Stig Petersson (Wetaskawin, AB), and sisters-in-law and their families: Ellen (South Surrey, BC) and Anna (Ottawa, ON), brothers-in-law, Ian Whitford and Andy (Elaine) Luk. She is predeceased by her sisters, Marion Luk, and Donna Whitford and by her mother-in-law, Marion Petersson. Sixteen nieces and nephews and seven great-nieces and nephews will forever miss their Auntie Jo.
We are grateful to Joanne’s church family in Yellowknife and Whitehorse, her wide circle of friends and colleagues for their unwavering support and encouragement.
In Joanne’s memory, please consider donating to the BC Cancer Agency’s research into Triple Negative Breast Cancer or Yukon Hospital Foundation’s Yukoner’s Cancer Care Fund;
Yukon Hospitals Foundation: https://gifttool.com/donations/Donate?ID=104&AID=551
BC Cancer Agency: https://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/goto/Joanne_Petersson
There are some who bring light into the world that after they are gone, the light remains.
Glow brightly, little light, and send my message:
I will love you. Never forget you. Always be with you.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, July 11 at 1:30PM
Riverdale Baptist Church. 15 Duke Road, Whitehorse, YT.
Swedish Tea to follow.
A Live Stream of Joanne’s Celebration of Life may be viewed here:
