Carol Lee Jessup Ohme Peterson
December 2, 1936 - June 20, 2025
Carol Lee Ohme Peterson, a lifelong resident of the Wenatchee Valley, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at the age of 88.
Carol was born in Wenatchee on December 2, 1936, to Jim and Mary (Carr) Jessup. From an early age, she developed a deep love of the arts, singing, music and theater, passions that shaped her life in meaningful ways. As a senior at Wenatchee High School, she was honored to be selected as the 1954 Wenatchee Apple Blossom Queen, a cherished memory she carried with her throughout her life. It was during her years in the WHS choir that she met Gordon Ohme, whom she married in 1955.
Together, Carol and Gordon built their life around family, music, and their shared commitment to Ohme Gardens, the remarkable hillside garden created by Carol's father-in-law, Herman Ohme. As they raised their three sons, Carol lived and worked at the Gardens, not just surrounded by its beauty but actively helping to shape and sustain it. With dedication, creativity, and hard work, she and Gordon carried forward the family's artistic vision. This was a purpose they embraced with care and pride. Carol's love of nature was reflected in everything she did.
Music was a constant in her life. She sang for many years in the choir at Central Christian Church and took great joy in the family gatherings where friends and loved ones sang along to the folk songs of The Gordon Ohme Trio (www.youtube.com/@gordonohmetrio1950). Many special evenings were spent on the shores of Lake Chelan, filled with music, laughter, and connection.
Carol was very active in her community, participating in organizations such as the Wenatchee Hospital Guild, where she and Gordon joined friends in the Follies shows to raise funds for the local hospital. She was a long-time member of P.E.O., supporting educational opportunities for women, and served as a chaperone for Apple Blossom Festival royalty in later years.
After the passing of her first husband, Gordon, in 1993, Carol found love and companionship again with Dennis Peterson. They married in 2001 and shared many adventures together, including travels to Australia, New Zealand, and Italy. For several years, they enjoyed winters in Tucson, AZ, exploring the beauty of the desert and its wildlife.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Mary Jessup; her sister, Marilyn Price; her first husband, Gordon Ohme; and her second husband, Dennis Peterson.
She is survived by her three sons, Kevin, Brian, and Greg Ohme; as well as Brian's wife, Chandra Villano;, and Chandra's mother, Danna Bozick. She is also survived by her niece, Susan Russo; her nephew, David Ohme; and her stepchildren, Jill Schroeder and Paul Peterson.
Carol's grandchildren, include Karmen Ohme and Eamon Ohme (children of Kevin), Sarah Ohme (daughter of Brian), and Steve Meyer and Dana DePalma (children of Jill).
Carol's family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the many people who provided care and support in her later years, especially the caregivers at Blossom Creek Memory Care, the Confluence Health Geriatric Care Team, Regency Wenatchee, Confluence Health Hospice, and Caring Cottage of Wenatchee.
Donations in Carol's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. One way of doing this would be to support the Carol Ohme Peterson Team in the upcoming local Walk to End Alzheimer's. http://act.alz.org/goto/CarolOhmePeterson
Carol's kindness, humor, and love of beauty touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed. Memories eternal.
Please leave your thoughts and memories at www.chapelofthevalleyncw.com. Chapel of Valley is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Published by The Wenatchee World from Jun. 25 to Jun. 28, 2025.