Katharine “Katy” Carlson Prigge, age 74, of Rockport, Texas, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Harbor Hospice in Portland, Texas, following a lengthy illness.

Radiant, magnetic, and full of life, Katy had a remarkable ability to brighten every room she entered. Throughout her life, she embraced many roles with grace, humor, and unwavering devotion. She was the heart of the Prigge household, the beloved matriarch of the Carlson family, and the proudly claimed “Best Aunt.” Her husband, Alan, lovingly called her “Bird,” while her grandson, Augustus, knew her as “KayKay.” Katy's warmth, intelligence, loyalty, energy, and deep faith made her a treasured presence in the lives of all who knew her.

Katy was born on July 30, 1951, in Whittier, California, to the late Charles Gerard “Jerre” Carlson and Katharine “Kitty” Gardner Carlson. As the only daughter in an oilfield family, she experienced frequent moves during her childhood, living in communities including Whittier, Palos Verdes Estates, Bakersfield, and Coalinga before relocating to Houston, Texas, in 1957. There, she attended River Oaks Elementary School, T.H. Rogers Junior High School, and Lamar High School, graduating in 1969.

Following high school, Katy attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her degree and was an active member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She began her professional career teaching Spanish at Dulles High School in Sugar Land, Texas. She later joined Delta Air Lines, traveling throughout the southeastern United States to train travel agencies on the company’s reservation system. Afterward, she worked in real estate with several prominent West Houston firms before eventually assisting her husband in his business as a bookkeeper and accountant.

Katy met the love of her life, Alan Prigge, at their ten-year Lamar High School reunion. They married and built a wonderful life together, raising their family in Houston. In 2013, they fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to their waterfront home in Rockport, Texas. A lover of the bay and coastal life, Katy quickly became an active member of the Rockport community. She enjoyed tennis, golf with her “Niners” group, biweekly mahjong games with friends, and countless opportunities to connect with those around her.

Katy’s love for animals was evident throughout her life. She never met a cat she didn’t adore—or one that didn’t adore her. Her beloved cat, Keke, will especially miss her. Her passion for horses inspired her involvement with the Sire Therapeutic Horsemanship Foundation. She also enjoyed horseback riding, snow skiing, water skiing, dancing, tennis, golf, yoga, and coaching her sons’ hockey teams. She found joy in gathering with friends, savoring boiled crawfish, and occasionally trying her luck at a casino. Above all, she cherished time spent with family, especially her beloved grandson, Augustus, who brought her immeasurable happiness.

Katy is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Alan Prigge; her sons, Reed (Heidi) Prigge and Harris (Adrianna) Prigge; and her cherished grandson, Augustus “AC” Prigge. She is also survived by her brother, Peter (Mary) Carlson, and their children, Matthew and Claire; her nephews and niece, Aaron (Lisa) Carlson, Liza (Jim) Olszewski, Vaughn (Elizabeth) Carlson, and Brandon Carlson; her great-nephews and great-nieces, Patrick Carlson, Michael Carlson, Mae Olszewski, Grace Olszewski, Isabella Carlson, and Mia Carlson; her sisters-in-law, Belle (Ray) Speir and Linda Reed; as well as many beloved cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her older brother, Stephen “Steve” G. Carlson; and her nephew, Greg Speir.

A memorial service celebrating Katy’s life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 555 Enterprise Blvd. Rockport, Tx 78382. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and honor her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Katy’s honor to Sire Therapeutic Horsemanship Foundation or the Gregory Ray Speir Memorial Scholarship.