Colleen "Pepper" Clark

Colleen M. Clark, 83, of Silverlake, Wash., passed away April 28, 2024, at home while surrounded by people that loved her.

She was born July 25, 1940, in Rice Lake, Wis., to Augie and Mae (Davis) Gordon.

Colleen married James Waddington in Moses Lake, Wash., in 1959. He preceded her in death.  Later in life she was reunited with her childhood love and married John Clark in Longview in 1978. He predeceased her in death and it is without doubt that he was there to walk hand in hand with her to the pearly gates and welcome her home.  Theirs was the sort of love that everyone aspires to.  

Known affectionately as “Pepper” to many, Colleen was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, painting, reading, crossword puzzles, and cake.  She could often be found singing in the kitchen, giving people a hard time while they lost to her at a game of cards or joyfully playing with a grandchild.  She was fun and good-natured, loving, caring, and kind.  She held summer camps for her grandchildren during the summer and her home was always open to family, friends or anyone that needed a refuge.

Pepper is survived and eternally loved by four children, Scott Waddington of Longview, Wendie Fowler of Winlock, Josh Waddington of Silverlake, Wash., and Betty Nash of Clarkia, Idaho.; 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and a community of people whom she helped in countless ways.  Always spreading joy to those around her.   

In addition to her husband, Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Augie and Mae Gordon; a beloved son, James Waddington; and her sweet brother, Skip Gordon.

A graveside service is planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 28 at Longview Memorial Park.