Virginia Stenson Peek

1928 - 2017

Virginia Stenson Peek obituary, 1928-2017, Seattle, WA

BORN

1928

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

14951 Bothell Way NE

Seattle, Washington

Virginia Peek Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 5, 2017.

Virginia Maurine (Stenson) Peek was born in a small farmhouse in Rockford, Washington, to George and Marjorie Stenson on July 31, 1928. She passed away on August 1, with her husband of 68 years, Donald Morgan Peek, and daughter at her side. She was a graceful woman whose immense compassion and selflessness will be remembered by all those who surrounded her. Virginia's infectious smile could light up a room and soothe a bad day.
When she was young, Virginia's family moved to Chewelah, Washington, where Virginia's father owned a gas station and a Studebaker dealership. She would often accompany him, navigating his journey and keeping him awake during longer drives. The family also raised foxes and Virginia would often keep the babies as pets until they began to grow too large and rambunctious.
At the age of 13, Virginia and her family moved to Seattle and she began her studies at John Muir grade school. She would later attend Franklin high school, where she met many of her life-long friends.
She attended the University of Washington and pledged Alpha Delta Pi. She maintained involvement with her sorority long after graduation, notably by cooking meals for their luncheons, which often meant preparing food for nearly 200. Shortly after she began her studies at the University of Washington, Virginia found another of her lasting pursuits: the love of her life, Don, whom she met in an economics class. They started dating in September of 1946 and were married March 18, 1949.
By 1951, with sons Steven (b. 1949) and David (b. 1951) in tow, Don and Virginia moved their small family to Hilo, Hawaii to work for the Onomea Sugar Plantation. During their time on the island, Virginia picked up a number of Hawaiian dances, learned the Hawaiian alphabet, and immersed herself in the culture. Many of these customs stayed with her throughout her long life. Don and Virginia's youngest son, James (b. 1954), was born in Hawaii before the family moved back to Seattle after a three-year stint on the island. Befitting their early years, all three sons either live near the water or on an island.
Upon returning to the mainland, the family completed construction of their home near Lake Washington, near Don's parents in North Seattle. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed their only daughter, Patti (b. 1956), who was named in remembrance of Virginia's sister, Patricia Louise Stenson, who tragically passed at age 13 during Virginia's freshman year of college. Don and Virginia lived 68 wonderful years in their house, hosting numerous family holidays, welcoming countless friends and myriad tennis matches.
Over the years, Virginia raised her four children and actively encouraged them to pursue what they loved. An excellent cook, she regularly prepared multiple individual meals to allow for her kids various schedules. She taught each of her children to swim despite not knowing how to swim herself. It wasn't until later that they learned how challenging it was for her to not impose her fears instead displaying the grace that would define her. In her spare time, Virginia used her knitting skills to make gorgeous throws, booties, and baby hats, along with hand-crafted jewelry, which she regularly gifted to family and friends.
As snowbirds, Virginia and Don spent time in Maui, Hawaii and Peoria, Arizona. They also regularly visited Seaside, Oregon, where they honeymooned as newlyweds. Perhaps Virginia and Don's greatest escape was spending time at the family cabin in Darrington, Washington, on the Stillaguamish River. During the summer months, the whole family could be found 'up the river' for many weekends. At the cabin, Virginia and Don relished time with their children and grandchildren, often seeking out new swimming holes, playing cards, and tending their vegetable garden.
Virginia loved traveling and learning about other cultures. She would savor every minute of her travels and took great pleasure in sharing detailed stories of her 'snapshots' that she took with her eyes during her adventures. In 1973, Virginia went with her daughter, Patti, to Japan. She later went on a trip throughout Southeast Asia with her son, Jim. Virginia and Don also cruised to Mexico with Steve and Chris.
Virginia maintained a meaningful relationship with her faith throughout her life, especially in her later years where she found great strength and courage reading from the bible daily. She lived her life with great warmth and kindness towards others and strived to impart God's peace to everyone, often calling on one of her favorite passages: "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
She is preceded in death by her family, George, Marjorie, Patty, and Al Stenson; and her in-laws, Loyd, Margaret, Doug, Marilyn, Robert, and Jerrie Peek. She is survived by her husband, Donald Morgan Peek; children, Steve (Chris) Peek, Dave Peek, Jim (Debbie) Peek and Patti (Jack) Flajole; her grandchildren, Corrie (Jesse) Canaday, Andrea (Donn) Coonrod, Angie Johnson, Sean (Megan) Peek, Justin (Mindy) Peek, Ben (Brittany) Flajole, Patrick Flajole, Alex Peek, and Anna Peek; her great-grandchildren, Keaton and Cole Canaday, Grant and Quinn Coonrod, William and Weslie Peek, Alivia Johnson, Avery and Kinsley Peek; sister and brother-in-law Joanne and Robbie Robertson; and nieces and nephews, Debbie Walen, Sue Burton, Jeff Peek, Brad Peek, Kim Robertson, and Eric Stenson.
Donations/memorials can be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle. Memorial services will be held at Acacia Funeral Home in Seattle on Tuesday, August 15 at 10:30 am.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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August 13, 2017

Brian Pelton

Our heartfelt sympathies to your family at this time of loss. Lasting memories will seem to keep her close by.

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Memorial Events
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Aug

15

Memorial service

10:30 a.m.

Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

14951 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, WA 98155

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Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

14951 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, WA 98155

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