Thursday, October 1, 2026
Peggy Lee Carlson (nee Reynolds) passed away peacefully on November 4th, 2025, surrounded by love.
Born September 9th, 1949, to Weldon (Red) and Margeret Reynolds in Abernathy, Texas, Peggy moved to Brewster, Washington with her folks and younger brother and sisters at 8 years old. She knew this was a great decision upon attending school and meeting her best friend forever. In her youth, Peggy participated in 4H, Campfire Kids, and played the clarinet in the school band. She spent numerous summers at Camp Zanika Lache both as a camper and as a counselor. At a very young age, Peggy knew that nursing would be her career.
After graduating from Brewster High School in 1968, Peggy moved to Wenatchee to attend the Central Washington Deconess School of Nursing, which she graduated from as a Registered Nurse in 1971. Many funny stories originated from friendships that were forged during this period, and throughout the years she maintained close contact with several of her classmates.
It was during this time that she met and later married (April 29th, 1972) her husband of now more than 50 years Lawrence (Larry) Carlson. They enjoyed many adventures over the years including trips to Alaska and Texas as well as visiting every lighthouse on the Washington and Oregon coast. Peggy especially loved to tell the story from their wild early years when they drove her 1963 Volkswagen Bug “Sweet Daisy” up the backside of Saddle Rock where upon reaching the top (with the passengers getting out to help push once or twice) they encountered a group of people on motorbikes who were flabbergasted that they had gotten the car up there!
After several short stints living in Seattle and Ellensburg areas, Peggy and Larry settled in the country outside of Brewster to raise their two children. Peggy was an amazing mom who always made showing up and participating in her childrens’ activities a top priority. Also, her cookies were a guaranteed sell out at the school bake sales! Peggy was raised with a great love and respect for the teachings of Jesus Christ. She was a member of the Calvery Baptist Church in Brewster from the time her family helped establish it, fostering lifelong friendships and engaging in many community and outreach projects, until Larry and she moved to Okanogan in 2006. There they joined the congregation at the United Methodist Church and cultivated a whole new set of enduring relationships. Peggy spent more than 40 years as a registered nurse, working in just about every niche you can imagine. She found her true passion was in being a school nurse where she poured her care and laughter into the community’s youth. She had many fun tales from that time.
Peggy lived in full color, although purple, from head to toe, was her favorite. She loved to laugh (Oh, what a laugh!) and spread joy wherever she went. She spent many years as a member of the Red Hat Society and was a part of umpteen fun group outings and community service events. Peggy was an avid reader of novels (she loved a good cozy mystery) and kept a detailed journal filled with titles, authors, and notes on the over 100 books she read each year. She enjoyed making crafts and decorating for the holidays, often finding or creating trinkets for loved ones. Peggy loved finding treasures at yard sales and bazaars, but more than anything, she cherished the time spent in the hunt with people she loved. Family was very important to Peggy and over the years she gathered many into the fold. For her, food equaled love and she never let someone leave her home hungry. Known as “Ahma” to her grandchildren and many others, she will be remembered for her kindness, laughter and her vast variety of cookies that were renowned by all who had the privilege of trying them.
After a long struggle with her health, Peggy was able to enjoy one last beautiful Fall (her favorite season after Spring) at home with her family- watching the deer nibble on the jack-o-lanterns her grandkids carved for Halloween and laughing at the antics of the birds at the feeders. She found joy in small things and brought joy in huge waves. Peggy’s passions and connections were too many to list, but anyone who knew her knows that her love and laughter will ripple on for years to come.
Peggy is survived by her husband, Larry, her children Nels (Christina) Carlson and Sarah Clune, her grandchildren Breanna, Elliot, MacIon, Valora, Loric, Tova and Oryn, her siblings David (Vicky) Reynolds, Karen (Hal d.) Fisher, Rhea (Skip) Clark, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends that were also considered family.
“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”
A celebration of life will be held for Peggy in the Spring.
