Peggy Ann DeVore Nolen

Peggy Nolen

June 21, 1938 - June 22, 2025

Peggy was born in Augusta, GA on June 21, 1938 to Pierce and Evelyn DeVore, their only child. Peggy graduated from the Academy of Richmond County in Augusta in 1956. That same year, Peggy met the love of her life, Bob Nolen, at a New Year’s Eve dance. Peggy and Bob were married on June 30th in Augusta and moved to the Pacific Northwest with infant daughter, Gail, the following year. Peggy and Bob enjoyed 57 years together making their home in University Place, WA.

Peggy had a long career with Office and Professional Employees International Union, Local 23 in Tacoma. She retired as Secretary-Treasurer in 2003 after nearly 40 years of dedicated service to union solidarity. Peggy never crossed a picket line. Peggy and family traveled back to Georgia as often as they could. Cross country road trips were a favorite for them to visit family and friends in CA., OR., MT., AR., NV., and B.C. Canada. Later, enjoying trips and cruises to Hawaii and Mexico. Peggy was an accomplished cook and baker. Her family and friends all enjoyed her Southern family recipes passed down for generations. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting gifts for loved ones. Peggy and Bob were avid Mariners fans and attended games played at the King Dome and new stadium in Seattle.

Peggy lovingly cared for Bob in their home before his passing in 2013. She was known for her compassionate and giving spirit, her wonderful sense of humor and joyous laughter that could fill the room. Peggy’s zest for life, love of family and friends, gave her the strength, courage, and faith to remarkably live with, and fight, stage IV lung and brain tumors for the past six years. The day following her 87th birthday, Peggy gently passed away with family by her side and Gail holding her hand. The family would like to thank Dr. Nehal Masood and team, radiologists, ICU physicians and staff with MultiCare Cancer Institute and Tacoma General Hospital.

Peggy is survived by her daughter, Gail Dawson (David); grandchildren, Garrett and Elisa (Patrick Dunn); sister-in-law, Nita Bohay; brother-in-law, Herb McDaniel; step-sister, Linda Kirkland; cousins, Vicki Dudai and Lynn Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 1pm at Mount Cross Lutheran Church 8902 40th St. W., University Place, WA 98466. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.