Wendy Patricia (Whetter) Petersen

 It is with tremendous sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother, Wendy Patricia Petersen, on January 20, 2020. 

She was predeceased by her husband Ib Petersen, parents Perry and Dorothy Whetter, brother Gary Whetter, brother-in-law Karl Breu and pet Weazy. 
She is survived by her three sons, Erik(Birgitte); Lars(Samantha); Kris(Jenny), grandchildren Andreas, Lasse, Tyler, Ava, Ben, and her pet Lucy; her siblings Diane and Ryan(Carol); her brother in laws, John(Hope) and Ole(Kim). She was also loved so very much by her many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Last but certainly not least, she is survived by her loving partner of 15 years, Walter McKecknie. Wally, we cannot thank you enough for your unwavering love, support, and companionship you provided Wendy over the years. You always had a way of making her laugh. We will never forget that.

Wendy was born on July 30, 1943 in Dauphin, Manitoba. This is where she met the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Ib Munk Petersen. After high school, Wendy went on to do her post secondary education in Winnipeg, Manitoba where she decided to embark on a career in nursing. She completed her nursing practicum at the Winnipeg General Hospital. Following graduation, Ib and Wendy got married in May of 1965 and eventually settled in the quiet outskirts of Dauphin where their journey began; the building of a beautiful family and a beautiful house on the lake. She spent countless nights working shift work at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre in various capacities and in various departments and later on at St.Paul’s Personal Care Home, all while raising and running after three very busy but incredible boys. Even after she retired from nursing, she still had the desire to help others, which led her to volunteer her time at Meals on Wheels.

Throughout many trials and tribulations, Wendy always persevered no matter what obstacles came her way. She stood by Ib’s bedside when he lost the battle to cancer at the early age of 48. She was a woman of resolute strength, hope, courage, resilience and beauty. Most of all, Wendy will be remembered and respected for her great love of and loyalty to family. It meant the world to her to be with those she loved and to be loved. She wanted nothing more than complete happiness for her boys, their families and those closest to her. 

 Mom, we will continue with your legacy and continue making you proud. A day won’t go by that we won’t think of you wishing you were still with us. Always in our hearts. 
 
This poem by Emily Dickinson not only reminds us of your love of hummingbirds but it also inspires and reminds us when we’re having doubts, troubles or going through heartache, to always find hope within; just as you always taught us.
 
“Hope” is the thing with feathers 
That perches in the soul 
And sings the tune without the words 
 And never stops at all
 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. 

Celebration of Life was held on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 2:00 pm from Dauphin First Baptist Church in Dauphin, MB with Rev. Paul Stade officiating.  Interment followed in Riverside Cemetery in Dauphin, MB.  

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