Obituary of Iris Peters

September 17, 1931 to February 13, 2022

Born in Melfort, SK, Mum passed away at age 90 in Calgary, AB, where she had been living for the past 25 years. North Vancouver, B.C. was her home for many years where she went to school and raised her family.

She leaves behind her children, Nancy Postle (Terry), Ann Peters (Barry), Janet Rule (Rob), and Glen Peters (Lorraine); husband Rae Peters; grandchildren, Caroline Robertson (Jason), Heather Rule (Wade), Scott Postle (Monika), Eric Rule, Mike Postle, (Christine) Megan Rathwell (Jordan), and Kevin Peters (Allie); great-grandsons, Liam and Ethan Robertson, Dylan, Levi, and Joel Rathwell, and Kayden Postle. She was predeceased by her granddaughter Christina Postle.

Throughout her long life Mum appreciated books, art, music from country to classical, movies, food, the natural world, travel, other cultures and religions; a good laugh, and a good obituary.  She loved being a mother, but also really loved her work at Burnaby hospital, and especially as Medical Office Assistant to Drs. Goldberger and Davey.  After retiring she moved to Calgary where she finally got a chance to attend University; taking continuing education courses in everything from Arctic Explorers to Religions of the Middle Ages, and even dabbled in painting with a group at her condo. These past few years especially, stories about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren really made her day.  

Iris lived stoically with Parkinson’s disease for almost 30 years.  People often described her as fiercely independent, as she stubbornly refused to let the obstacles of the disease keep her from doing what she wanted to do. Special thanks to Susan Hughes who so kindly and respectfully supported that independence. Much appreciation to Donna Chapman who has gone above and beyond, and to Newport Harbour Care Centre for making the last few months positive ones.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, 245 Eglinton Ave East, Suite 410, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4P 3J1, nature@natureconservancy.ca Toll-free: 1.800.465.8005, Charitable Reg. Number: 11924 6544 RR0001 or Medecins Sans Frontieres, https://www.msf.org/donate. 

When I can’t play, I’ll sing. when I can’t sing, I’ll whistle, and when the day comes, I can’t whistle no more, I’ll just sit myself down and I’ll listen - Joan MacIssac, Canadian folk singer

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Mary Peters, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.