Joan Alice Mattoon (Metcalf) Peniston passed away in Cottage Grove, Oregon, on February 1, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on August 13, 1930, in Eugene, Oregon, to parents Harry K. and Grace Lilly Metcalf, Joan’s spirit and kindness touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Joan graduated from Cottage Grove High School in 1948 and attended Oregon College of Education until 1950, committing herself to a lifelong journey of learning and personal development. Her professional career was marked by prominent roles, including serving as a secretary at the 1st National Bank of Portland, Cottage Grove Branch, and as a secretary/receptionist and special education instructional assistant at the South Lane School District in Cottage Grove.
The year 1955 marked the beginning of Joan’s enduring partnership with Harold H. Mattoon when they wed in Cottage Grove. The newlyweds initially settled in Eugene before heading south to California in 1956, where they lived in various cities, including La Puente, San Rafael, and Hacienda Heights, before finally returning to Cottage Grove in 1975. While managing an ever-growing household, Joan found time to contribute to the community’s educational needs. Working from 1976 to 1980, she nurtured young minds as a special education instructional assistant at Lincoln Jr. High. Sadly, Harold passed away in 1997. Finding love once more, Joan married D. Hugh Peniston in 1998, who preceded her in death in 2012. Her family circle widened with this union, embracing stepchildren and their families.
Known for her passionate, spirited, and faith-filled personality, Joan’s love for family history, travel, art, and music, and her affinity for cats and flowers were well known to all. She dedicated her time to family activities and was deeply involved in PTA and Little League during their years in California. Joan’s commitment to her faith was evident through her lifelong friendship with the First Presbyterian Church in Cottage Grove. She was a natural archivist, saving, labeling, and organizing all sorts of family items. Her contributions to her community included active memberships in the Cottage Grove Historical Society, Genealogical Societies, and the Humane Society of Cottage Grove. She also supported a myriad of charities throughout her life.
Joan showed deep compassion, caring for Harold during his final days. She faithfully visited and helped Hugh each evening during his eight years in the care center. Joan’s modesty, humility, and selflessness defined her character.
Joan’s legacy is carried on by her loving sons, John (Jennifer) Mattoon, Gregory (Diane) Mattoon, and Charles Mattoon; her stepchildren, Pamela Chambers, Gary, Brian, David, William, and Sarah Peniston; along with two grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. In addition to Harold, she was sadly preceded in death by her stepson, Richard Mattoon, on January 11, 2011.
We bid farewell to a woman who upheld the values of family, faith, and community throughout her life. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 3:00 pm on March 7, 2026, at the Presbyterian Church in Cottage Grove, OR. Joan’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and service, and she will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel.
