Joan Peterson

Joan Peterson passed away peacefully on September 4th at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Robert John Peterson Jr., and son, Edward Charles Peterson (Sandy), and is survived by her daughters, Vicki-Marie Bassing (Charles), Teri Espiritu (Matthew) and Shari Peterson, as well as her grandchildren, Jason Peterson (the boxer opening a gym), Kristina Beste (the one always winning work awards), Arika Espiritu (the one who lived with her and loves the SF Giants), Justine Espiritu (the surfer and book clubber in Hawaii), Sarah Bassing (the one who married Jon, loves wolves and is getting her PhD), Marianne Bassing (the ballerina who has danced around the world) and Lauren Neel (the cat lover and her favorite dinner guest), as well as her two great grandchildren, Nicholas Beste and Johnny Beste.

Joan moved around as a child but spent the majority of her life in the Outer Sunset of San Francisco and was quite the social butterfly. She taught at Lorna Fordyce Dance Studio for over two decades and then for several years took and taught classes at The Doelger Senior Center. She was enamored with dance and the performing arts, specifically ballet, and adored seeing live performances. When she wasn’t on the phone keeping everyone up to date on the adventures of her cherished grandchildren, she filled her days visiting museums, seeing the band play in

Golden Gate park (her toes tapping along), taking walks (her favorite was Stow Lake where she’d treat herself to a hot dog after), and loved reading books or going to the movies, always looking forward to discussing finished pieces with someone after. She became a San Francisco Giants fanatic (Timmy!), and took great joy in experiencing the 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series wins. Additionally, she loved the Giants’ announcers, her handheld radio often attached to her for games and the post game wrap. A 49er and Warriors fan to a lesser degree, she kept many of her friends up to date on how great the Warriors (mostly Curry) did throughout the season.

The family will hold a private celebration of life for Joan at a later date and ask that in lieu of flowers you consider making a donation in Joan’s name to your local senior center, museum, performing arts center or school, or dance studio. Forever in our hearts, we hope she is at peace, reunited with her husband, mother, father, son and many friends.