Peggy, as she was referred to by family and friends, died peacefully on Monday, Jan. 31, at Swedish Hospital in Seattle with her two children by her side. She was born on Nov. 6, 1936, in Aberdeen, Washington and was the middle daughter of her parents Siro and Edith Carniel. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Weatherwax High School. She started her career as a switchboard operator at the phone company before moving to Weyerhaeuser where she worked as a switchboard operator there as well. On Feb. 22, 1969, she married Sam Baretich and they moved into their first home that they built on Bench Drive where they remain. It was here that they started their family and established life-long friendships through St. Mary’s Catholic Church and school and The Sons of Italy Italian Lodge.
Peggy devoted her time to being a homemaker and raising her two children with Sam. She often joked that she raised three children, referring to her husband Sam as the third child. She volunteered countless hours at the school working in the classroom, the kitchen, the church and anywhere else that she was needed. After her children were grown, she went back to work as a cook in the school cafeteria at Robert Gray and Stevens elementary schools before finally retiring in 1998.
Peggy was a long-time member of the Sons of Italy Italian Lodge and took great pride and joy in cooking for their annual spaghetti dinner. She also loved baking countless Italian cookies to be sold at their ever popular bake sales. Over the years, she also enjoyed ceramics, golf, trips to Nordstrom and Costco, and having weekly lunches with dear friends. One of her greatest joys was becoming a grandmother to her three granddaughters. They will forever fondly remember her tea parties, dress up, cooking lessons and so much more. Peggy also loved the beach and always savored a trip to the local beaches or Cannon Beach with her loved ones. She delighted in spending time with family and friends, hosting dinners and gatherings in her home with authentic Italian dinners that were made from beloved family recipes.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Rosalie Carniel and Mary Carniel Kelly. She is survived by her husband Sam Baretich Sr. and her children, Mary Baretich Taft (Tom Taft) and Sam Baretich II (Alecia Atack Baretich); and three grandchildren: Gabriella (Ella) Marguerite Taft, Julia Angela Taft and Nina Therese Taft.
She will forever be remembered for her kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, incredible cooking, delicious Italian cookies, contagious laughter, loyalty to her friends, and never ending love and commitment to her family. Those left behind will love and miss her every single day.
Peggy’s family would like it to be known that she passed away due to complications from a stroke. Neither COVID or any of its variants, were a contributing factor.
Recitation of the rosary will take place at Harrison Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 5:30 p.m. The funeral will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Friday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. with an optional graveside blessing following immediately after. A reception will be held at the Rotary Log Pavilion after the graveside service starting at approximately 4:15 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances and donations can be made in the name of Peggy to the Aberdeen Lodge of the Sons of Italy Amerigo Vespucci Lodge #1814.
