Joan Ellen Peterson

Joan Ellen Hawkinson Peterson, age 71, of Andover, MN, passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, July 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

Born August 28, 1953, in Robbinsdale, MN, Joan was the youngest of three children to Roy and Jean Hawkinson. She graduated from Archbishop Grace High School (now Totino-Grace) in 1971 and earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Media Education from St. Cloud State University. Joan dedicated 37 years to teaching, primarily at Champlin Elementary School, where she taught first and second grade and served as a media generalist.

It was at Champlin that she met her beloved husband, Paul Peterson. Joan’s spitfire personality quickly charmed Paul—so much so that he proposed just six months after they met. They were married June 28, 1981, and together they raised their three children—Roy, Ross, and Rachel—in Andover, MN, where they continued to build their life and home.

As a mom, Joan was steady, supportive, and always present. She was always someone her kids could count on. She listened -at times was opinionated, offered perspective when it was needed, and always showed up with unconditional love. She celebrated her kids’ wins, helped carry them through the hard stuff, and made sure they knew they were never alone. Her presence was comforting, her words honest and reassuring. She made each of her children feel understood, accepted, and completely loved—just as they were.

Family was the center of Joan’s world. She loved planning multi-family vacations, holiday gatherings, poker nights, card games, and even scavenger hunts. She and Paul shared a lively, loving partnership—often entertaining guests with their playful banter and undeniable chemistry. Joan was treated like a queen by her devoted husband and their 44 years of marriage were filled with deep affection and joy.

Joan retired in 2011 at the age of 59, but her days remained vibrant and full. She took many trips across the globe—from the Caribbean and Mediterranean to Ireland, Scotland, and a special mother-daughter trip to Iceland. She also explored much of the United States and enjoyed riverboat cruises along the Mississippi. Most recently, she returned from a beautiful 9-day Alaskan Cruise with Paul and dear friends Jim and Yvette—just seven days before her passing.

Joan had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, and was known for her infectious warmth, generous heart, and dedication to the people she loved. She never forgot a birthday and often bought Christmas gifts months in advance—sometimes forgetting what she had already purchased, which led to even more presents under the tree. Above all, Joan cherished her role as a grandmother. She poured endless love into her five grandchildren: Jackson (14), Harper (13), Jacob (10), Sydney (8), and Parker (3). She read with them, watched their sporting events, taught them games (though she disliked Candy Land), and embraced every silly, joyful moment—especially those involving poop jokes.

Joan was the heartbeat of her family and a second mom to many. Her wit, spirit, and unconditional love touched countless lives. Her absence leaves a profound hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Joan is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Paul Peterson; their children Roy (Sarah), Ross (Allison), Rachel Peterson; her adored grandchildren, Jackson, Harper, Jacob, Sydney, Parker; brother-in-law Mike Thayer; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Jean (Wojack) Hawkinson; her brother Bill Hawkinson; her sister Sue Thayer and many other close friends and family members she fondly referred to as “her people.”

Joan will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a truly special lady whose legacy lives on through the many lives and hearts she touched.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 3 PM Friday, August 1, 2025 with a time of visitation and reviewal planned from 5-8 PM Thursday, July 31, 2025 and also one hour prior to the Mass on Friday all at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372.

Click here to view Joan's Funeral Mass.

Memorials in Joan's memory may be directed to: A Breast Cancer Organization of your choice such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel.FuneralAndCremationService.com