Peony Munger

Peony Munger November 11, 1934 ~ August 31, 2012 Peony Munger, accomplished swimmer, golfer and beloved friend, passed away on Friday, August 31, 2012, at the age of 77. Peony was born on November 11, 1934, in Korea. She became a nurse for the Korean Army and met her future husband, the late Dr. Richard Munger, when he was serving in Korea. After marriage, the two lived in Korea, Germany and the United States, moving to Wenatchee in 1979. Peony first learned to swim when she and Richard were stationed in Germany. When the couple joined the Wenatchee Valley Masters swimming group in 2000, Peony's passion for swimming increased and she became a fierce competitor in local and national swim meets. Peony took up the butterfly stroke and swam one mile per day for four years, until she had completed 1000 miles! Her accomplishment gained local and national recognition. She won dozens of events in local meets and also won several national championships at the 2011 National Masters Meet. Peony was a beloved member of and inspiration for the local masters swim group. Peony was also a devoted and accomplished golfer, playing twice per week at the Wenatchee Golf and Country Club with the ladies' group. She took great joy from her golfing and was a familiar figure at the Club, both on the course and sharing many celebratory meals there. Peony won recognition in many local golfing events and was Washington State Senior Champion in 2002. Peony treasured her golfing friends and held many great memories of her many years together with them. Peony and Richard were also great dog lovers and had many special canine friends over the years, including Roscoe, Maya, Alexander and Jong. Peony loved to prepare special treats for these loyal companions. Peony was a great and generous friend to many. She loved to host her Korean barbecue dinners, and graced her friends with her fabulous cooking skills. These festive events were not complete until all the guests packed up cartons of leftovers to take home and enjoy again later. Peony also loved to go out for lunch with friends and hosted many a special lunch for others, including birthdays, Christmas, and other occasions. She always made sure to bring a cake to finish the celebration! Peony was an elegant lady, always dressing fashionably. She loved hats and had one for every occasion and every outfit. Even on the golf course, she was a striking figure in her knickers and Argyll socks! Peony was preceded in death by her father, Moon Gu Lee; her mother, Jung Sun Kim; her husband, Richard; and three older brothers. She is survived by her sister, Bong Jea of Korea; sister, Yohan of Texas; and several nieces and nephews. Donations, in Peony's honor, may be made to the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation through U.S. Masters Swimming at 655 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 or www.usms.org; or to the Wenatchee High School Foundation, 1101 Millerdale Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801. A Celebration of Life for Peony will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. at the home of Pat and Carolyn Magee, 1580 S. Miller, Wenatchee. In honor of Peony, please feel free to wear a hat to the celebration!

Peony Munger

November 11, 1934 - August 31, 2012