Joan C. Peters, 77 of Middleton passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, June 23, 2016 six years after a diagnosis of cancer. Born Joan Catherine Anderson on December 27, 1938 the third child of Mary lrene (McDougall) and Edwin Anderson. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Leo F. Peters, both longtime residents of Melrose. Joan attended parochial school in Cambridge, and was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Cambridge in the class of 1956. She met her husband Leo at the Boston Skating Club in 1959 and they were married at St. Mary's Church on May 20, 1961. She earned her nursing degree at North Shore Community College in 1981. She worked at New England Memorial Hospital, Melrose Wakefield Hospital and a private nursing home. Loving mother of Elizabeth Kaiser and her husband Richard of Bedford, Sue Heil and her husband Bryan of Wakefield, Carolyn Peters and her companion Peter Dana of Melrose and Jennifer Foley and her husband Serge of Topsfield. Proud and loving grandmother of Katie Kaiser, David Kaiser, Joseph Kaiser, Allison Heil, Emily Heil, Ava Foley, Lauren Foley and Matthew Foley. Best friends since childhood of Mary Ellen Deacy of Arlington and Caryl Coffill of Somerville. Dear sister of Richard Anderson and his wife, Maureen of Stoneham and David Anderson and his wife, Peggy of Birmingham, Alabama. Loving cousin of Mary Reynolds and her husband Frank of Medford. She was predeceased by her brothers Edward, John and Donald Anderson. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to list but not forgotten. Joan was a warm and funny woman who enjoyed the simple things in life like drinks with "Get Together" friends, Saturday night restaurant excursions with Mary and Frank Reynolds, a good political debate with her husband and spoiling her grandchildren. She loved traveling, reading murder mysteries and Sunday dinners watching the Patriots with her extended family. She also enjoyed 40 wonderful summers at Black Cat Island on Lake Winnipesaukee making memories with her husband, children and grandchildren. She especially loved trips with her daughters in recent years to Las Vegas, Bar Harbor, Martha's Vineyard and Disney World. Above all, Joan was devoted to her family, whom she loved unconditionally and with all her heart. Her gift was her joy of life and hers will never be forgotten. A special thank you to the wonderful doctors & staff at Massachusetts General Hospital for the excellent care given to Joan. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 from 4:00-8:00PM. Funeral from Gately Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 29th at 9:00AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St. Melrose at 10:00AM. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Memorial contributions may be made in Joan's memory to Massachusetts General Hospital Fund, 55 Fruit St. Boston, MA 02114.