Edmonds City Councilmember Peggy Pritchard Olson, who died today at the age of 59, was remembered as a caring public servant who loved her town and the people living there.

Ms. Pritchard Olson, who was serving her second term on the Council, announced in May 2008 that she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The daughter of former U.S. Congressman and Washington Lt. Gov. Joel Pritchard, Ms. Pritchard Olson served as  Council president in 2007. She was elected to her second four-year council term in November 2007.

“Peggy was a councilmember who cared about all Edmonds residents,” said Edmonds Mayor Gary Haakenson. “I have never met a braver person as she took on such an insidious disease. Just a week ago at Council meeting, we shared a humorous exchange about her future on the council. She loved Edmonds, loved politics and I will miss her. My thoughts and prayers go out to Norm and the family.”

Since her diagnosis, Ms. Pritchard Olson continued to serve on the Council, even though in recent months she has been in a wheelchair and verbal communication has been difficult. Her last council meeting was last Monday, Nov. 2, when she cast a vote in favor of approving a fire services contract with Snohomish County Fire District 1.

Council President D.J. Wilson described Ms. Pritchard Olson as “a true public servant. We will all miss her dearly, but our lives are all better for having known her.”

Added Councilmember Dave Orvis: “Peggy selflessly served when others would have given up. She cared very much for Edmonds and we will all miss her. My sympathies go to her husband and relatives.”