Former longtime Aberdeen resident Aldalee "Lee" Nugent passed away peacefully
on February 12, 2023, in Olympia, Washington.
Lee was born in Aberdeen on January 15, 1931, to Hjalma and Severn Simonson.
Lee grew up in Aberdeen, and attended McDermoth Elementary School, Miller
Junior High School, and J.M. Weatherwax High School. She participated in high
school activities and was chosen to be one of the four Bobcat song queens in her
senior year.

Following high school graduation in 1949, Lee attended the University of
Washington. She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, and pursued an
interest in fine art, excelling in watercolor painting. She received her BA degree,
Fine Arts, UW Class of 1952.

While attending the U of W, Lee met her Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity neighbor,
Jack L. Nugent, originally from Centralia, Washington. Jack played varsity football
and was a well-regarded fullback for the Washington Huskies. They had a very
special day during their UW years when Jack played in the Homecoming game and
Lee was honored as the UW Homecoming Queen. Soon after, Lee and Jack
became engaged. Upon graduation, Lee returned to Aberdeen and Jack prepared
to enter the UW School of Dentistry the following fall.

Lee and Jack were married on January 30, 1953, at the First Presbyterian Church
in Aberdeen. They returned to Seattle where Jack continued his dental studies
and Lee worked as a technical draftsperson at the UW Applied Physics Lab.
Following Jack's graduation from dental school, they moved to Fort Ord,
California, where Jack served as a Dentist/Captain in the US Army. While in
California, they enjoyed the sights and charms of Monterrey, Carmel, and the
surrounding area. They also learned that their first son, Scott Nugent would soon
be born. They relocated back to Aberdeen and Jack established his dental
practice. Meanwhile, Lee was a very loving mother, dedicated homemaker and
creative person. Their second son, Jeff was born in Aberdeen. In addition to
raising their boys, Lee took an active interest in Aberdeen social groups, including
Young Mother's Club and the Aberdeen P.E.O. chapter.

Lee put her artistic creativity to work and oversaw the design and construction of
their long-time home on Tolomei Drive. In addition to creating a beautiful, warm
family home, Lee was an avid gardener and enjoyed decorating for the holidays.
There were many fond memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

After their two sons were grown, Lee and Jack moved to Summit Lake,
Washington, where they replaced their summer home with a beautiful year-
round home. After spending a couple of years at Summit Lake, they decided to
move to Olympia. Jack continued to commute to Aberdeen for his dental
practice, and Lee returned to her love of painting. She entered several art
competitions in Olympia and received a number of commendations for her work.
She also became involved in the Olympia community, serving as a Docent for the
governor's Mansion, continuing her friendships in P.E.O. and other social groups.
After Jack passed away in 2012, Lee continued to live in Olympia, where she
finally moved to Olympics West Retirement center in 2022. Her family thanks the
excellent staff at Olympics West who provided caring service to Lee.

Lee is survived by her son Scott Nugent and wife Karen, son Jeff Nugent and wife
Luanne, granddaughter Katelyn Rogers and husband Kyle, grandson Patrick
Nugent and wife Chloe, grandson Jacob Nugent, great grandson Jett Rogers, and
niece, Lynn Miller Lindsay.

Memorials may be made in Lee's name to the charity of your choice. A private
memorial was held for Lee at Fern Hill mausoleum on February 17, 2023.