F. Olivia Carlson age 101 of Westbrook passed away Sunday, November 30, 2014 at the Westbrook Good Samaritan Care Center. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 4 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation is 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Westbrook Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Burial is in the Westbrook Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent via www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
F. Olivia Carlson was born January 22, 1913 in Valley City, North Dakota to Alfred and Anna Kjelland. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Valley City. Olivia attended elementary and high school at Green Consolidated School, and continued her education at Valley City State Teachers College and Western State College in Gunnison, CO. She taught school at Napoleon and Cleveland, ND, Burns, Conger Mesa, and Milner, CO, and Westbrook, MN. During WWII, Olivia worked for the Signal Corps in Washington D.C. as a cryptography clerk, and decoded enemy messages. On July 19, 1951 she married Dr. John V. Carlson. Olivia was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook where she was active in Ladies’ Aid, Bridge Club, and the Ladies Auxiliary. She loved to read and do crossword puzzles. Olivia kept a large garden of both flowers and vegetables.
Olivia is survived by her daughter Virginia Carlson of Minneapolis, 14 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Dr. John Carlson, step-children: Judith Eck, Joan Main, and Jack Carlson, two brothers, and five sisters.
Our condolances, and prayers are with everyone, for Olivia’s family. We thought so much of Olivia, and will miss her, especially at the Good Sam. Though she did not feel well, she would always give me a kind of smile, that would warm my heart. She was a great lady, and there are not many of them left. God bless her memory for all of us.
Each Christmas our family give memorials to the Tammy E. Benson Scholarship Fund, at WWG, to go to any grad. who will be working with handicap people, either in education, or the health field. We will remember her at that time.
Ginny, you are in our thoughts and prayers. While heaven has a new angel, those that loved her are left behind and grieving. Your mom was such a kind soul, who will be missed by many people, especially those with whom she played bridge. God bless you.
Virginia,
My sympathy to you in the death of your dear mother, Olivia. She was an unbelievably kind and wise woman, who carried herself in all ways with the greatest of elegance. I will always remember her with affection.
May God bless you with precious memories and keep you close in comfort and strength.
~Peace~
Patty
Ginny,
My sympathy to you. Your mom was a great lady. I always enjoyed my visits with her. I’m sure her death is terribly hard for you. Take comfort in knowing how much she loved you and in your memories.
My mom also sends her sympathy. She will miss exchanging letters with your mom. She won’t know what to do with all her extra tomatoes.
Take care,
Cindy
Ginny –
I have many fond memories of the days spent at your house when we were little girls. Your mom was the first and only mom I knew that had sippy tops for those tall plastic Tupperware glasses. Every time I handed a sippy glass to my children and grandchildren, I thought of you mom.
Whenever I visited Westbrook and saw your mom, she was ready to offer a hug. My memories of her will always make me smile.
Please accept my sympathy. How lucky you were to have your mother for so many years!
Linda
I miss you, Grandma. Just thinking of your beautiful face makes me wish I could see you one more time.