BOMBER MEMORIAL

PEGGY JANN LEWIS JOHNSON ~ Class of 1962
January 11, 1944 - June 1, 2013

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The incomparable Peggy Jann Lewis Johnson -- beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend -- passed away on June 1, 2013. Peggy was born on January 11, 1944, in Richland to Gus Lewis and Janice Davis Lewis. She was a popular, engaged Class of '62 Columbia High School Bomber known for her dramatic flair.

Peggy’s lifelong love of animals began as a child. She also excelled in the arts – both as a fine arts student and also a singer and dancer in numerous musicals and performances. After graduating from Richland's Columbia High School, she married Art Stendal and in 1963, she welcomed her first daughter, Pamela Grace. In 1969... Peggy married Greg Hinton, and they brought Holly and Jenn into the world.

The love of her life, Dr. Gary Johnson, DVM, arrived in 1983. Gary and Peggy were married at the Pilchuck Glass Center in 1989. The pair has always been an affectionate and inspiring couple; Gary’s devotion to Peggy has been a blessing to us all. A long-time Skagit Valley resident, Peggy will be remembered for her humor, beauty, compassion, tenacity, kindness and many, many talents.

All of Peggy's hobbies and interests are impossible to list - but her gardens have always been epic; as an avid cyclist she completed two 150-mile rides, and she has hiked dozens of mountains with Gary and her dogs. She taught herself to play both piano and guitar. As an artist, she created beautiful etchings, drawings and paintings. Peggy created amazing pet portraits for friends and clients. Throughout her life, animals were ever-present: horses, goats, chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, ferrets -- even having a pet skunk for a short-time. She sang in local theater productions and, for many years, was decorator-in-chief of the annual Skagit Valley College Foundation Auction.

She was a brilliant hostess and entertainer – always gathering favorite people together. Over the years, Peggy touched the lives of many with her talents as hairdresser, dance teacher, homemaker, artist, aerobics instructor, advertising sales manager, real estate agent and finally, manager of the Highland Animal Clinic in Mount Vernon, Gary's veterinary practice.

Peggy adored her grandchildren, Gus and Violet, who will always remember her as magical, wacky, playful and loving "Nanny Peg." Peggy is survived by other treasured family members: daughters: Pamela, Holly and Jennifer; stepson, Jeremy (Erica), and their new baby boy, Thaddeus; cousin, Suzanne Cowan ('71); nephews: Ryan, Sam and Marc; niece, Andrea (Jamie), and son, Jett; and her three brothers: Michael ('60), Steven "Kelly" ('69 honorary) and Sean ('77).

She also leaves behind legions of dear, dear friends – whom she cherished immensely. They will always wish they had more time with Peg. She was a true partner and friend to all. She made friends easily of any stranger she passed and those that knew her, even briefly, were left with a joyful remembrance.

The family would like to thank the staff of Ashley Gardens, who cared for Peggy in her last months. Peggy, at 69 years old, indeed a young soul, left us far too early.

A celebration of Peggy's grand life was held at the Hillcrest Park Lodge in Mt. Vernon on Tuesday, June 25, 2013, from 4-7 pm at which all friends and acquaintances were encouraged to attend and bring their stories of Peggy to share. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund at www.curealz.org or the Lincoln Theater at www.lincolntheatre.org.

Bomber Memorial put together Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64) and edited by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).