She was one of ten children born to John and Johanna Peplau. Her mother passed away when Mom was eight years old, and her father was unable to care for their children.
After attending grade school at Presentation Orphanage in Sioux Falls, SD, Mom went on to graduate from high school at St. Mary’s Academy in Dell Rapids, SD, and she then graduated from Presentation School of Nursing in Aberdeen, SD. In 1945.
Shortly after her graduation, she and some of her nursing friends traveled by train to Snohomish, WA to work in the local hospital; they remained life-long friends. Mom also worked at Everett General Hospital for a short time.
Mom married Charles Reinstra on October 22, 1946, they were married for fifty-seven years until Dad passed away in 2003. Mom and Dad made their home in south Everett, where they raised their six children. Mom never learned to drive; she was a stay-at-home mom, devoted to her husband and children. She was active in the PTA, where she achieved the Golden Acorn Award. Mom and Dad loved to be involved in the lives of their many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Through all her years, Mom’s strong faith sustained her. She prayed daily and looked forward to attending weekly Mass. Mom was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Everett, WA and later transferred to St. Mary Magdalen Church in south Everett. She and Dad were founding members and Mom was active in the Altar Society as well as the Catholic Daughters.
After Dad passed away, Mom moved to Brookdale Assisted Living in Mill Creek, WA, and then to Silver Lake Home Care. We are so grateful to Corina, Liviu and their staff for the kindness and excellent care that Mom received while she lived there. We also appreciate the support that we received from EvergreenHealth Hospice.
Mom was preceded in death by her husband Charles, her son Douglas, her son-in-law Ed Smith, her brothers John, Martin, Frank, Victor, Albert, Zeno, and her sisters Clara and Odelia.
She is survived by her sister Gertrude of Eugene, OR, her daughters Joanne (husband Bob), Charlene (husband Ron), Barbara (partner Steve), Christy, and her son Jeff. Mom is also survived by eleven grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 8517 7th Place, Everett, WA 98208, on February 1st at 1:00 pm, with a reception to follow.
Arrangements will be made by Evergreen Funeral Home and Cemetery, Everett, WA.
In lieu of flowers, Mom has requested that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul North Sound Council, PO Box 2269, Everett, WA 98213, as well as St. Mary Magdalen Church, 8517 7th Place, Everett, WA 98208.
