"Peggy" Carlson
"Peggy" Carlson

Obituary of "Peggy" Frances Marie Carlson

Frances Marie Thomas "Peggy" Carlson, age 90, went peacefully to join her Heavenly Father on Thursday, January 24, 2019, from her home in Olympia, Washington, after a short battle with cancer. Peggy was born in Cougar Flats, Washington, on March 16, 1928, to George and Marie (Mueller) Thomas.  She was the third oldest of six children and grew up in Longview, Washington.

After graduating from Longview High School in 1946, she attended Lower Columbia Junior College and studied journalism.  She worked at the shipyards in Portland during WWII and later at Highland Dairy in Longview before marrying Donald Carlson on October 27, 1950. 

After Don finished college and started his job with Crown Zellerbach, they briefly lived several places like Brightwood, Tillamook, and Seaside, before moving to Astoria, Oregon, in 1955.  During their 27 years in Astoria, they raised five kids and were active members of the First Christian Church.  They also enjoyed square dancing with the Hayshakers.  When the kids were all school age, Peggy worked for Bergerson Enterprises in Astoria as the office manager, retiring in 1982.   After retiring, Don and Peggy lived in Lacey, Washington, and wintered in Apache Junction, Arizona, where they enjoyed leading hikes in the Superstition Mountains, water volleyball, pickle ball, and all kinds of card games.

Land Yacht Harbor in Olympia, Washington, has been their home for the past 21 years where together they enjoyed RV rallies, potlucks, card tournaments (Peggy was a good cribbage player.), playing Scrabble, and visiting with the neighbors and family.  Peggy was a wonderful host who always made everyone feel welcome and, for seven years, they enjoyed hosting a Bible study in their home, led by Don. Peggy loved to serve others and made the best gingersnap cookies!

Peggy will be missed and dearly remembered by her husband of 68 years, Donald Carlson; brothers, Ed Thomas (Mims), Jim Thomas (Carol), Ted Thomas (LeeAnn); sister, Donna Gentry (Elmer).  She also is survived by her five children and their spouses:  daughters, Debbie Donnelly (Pat) of Monroe, Washington, Libby Kinder (Bill Hamm) of The Woodlands, Texas, Cindy Klein (Gary) of the Dominican Republic, Sue Larimer (Bill Brown) of Vancouver, Washington, and son, David Carlson (Nancy) of Spokane, Washington.  She was also dearly loved by her 11 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.  Her grandson, John Mark Klein, is in Heaven to greet her.  She is also preceded in death by her older brother, George Alois “Al” Thomas.

Although Peggy had five children of her own, all of her children's friends were always welcomed and made to feel like family, and many thought of her as a second mom. (You know who you are.)

As a Christian, Peggy believed that, through salvation in Jesus Christ, the best is yet to come!  The family invites Peggy's extended family and friends to her Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Washington Land Yacht Harbor Harmony Hall, 9101 Steilacoom Road SE, Olympia, WA, 98513.  It will be officiated by Bruce Sanders, pastor of Capitol Vision Christian Church. Reception immediately following.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Peggy’s favorite charity, Christian Dominican Medical Missions:

CDMM c/o Libby Kinder

220 S. Deerfoot Circle

The Woodlands, TX 77380

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of "Peggy" Carlson, please visit Tribute Store
Sunday
10
February

Celebration of Life

2:00 pm
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Washington Yacht Harbor - Harmony Hall
9101 Steilacoom Road SE
Olympia, Washington, United States
Share Your Memory of
"Peggy"