Groton, Connecticut
Jul 14, 1927 – Oct 12, 2017 (Age 90)
Groton - Irene Maria Carlson, 90, of Groton, entered into eternal life on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017.
She was born in New London, on July 14, 1927, to Swedish parents Hugo and Sonja Carlson. Irene lived a life of faith and service. Her roles included eldest sister, mother, grandmother, friend and above all, dedicated nurse. She discovered her passion early and from her graduation from Joseph-Lawrence School of Nursing in 1949 through her decades-long career with Visiting Nurses Association, she was the ultimate caregiver.
Irene was hard-working, playful, thoughtful, honest, direct and empathetic. She was a survivor of many challenges both physical and emotional. She stayed positive and never complained. She was a beautiful being inside and out and even earned the title of Queen of the Harvard-Yale Regatta in 1949. She enjoyed traveling, was a talented seamstress, avid reader and crossword puzzle expert.
Her greatest joys were spending time with her family, hosting holidays at her home and attending church. Later in life, she enjoyed bird watching from her window and frequent trips to Eastern Point Beach. She will be remembered best for her wonderful smile, twinkling blue eyes and motto to Always Count Your Blessings.
She is survived by daughters, Candice Chambers of Bozrah and Anne Campbell of Oakdale, and their spouses; brother, David Carlson of Middletown; sister, Elsie Barrett of Lexington, Neb.; grandchildren, Kirsten Bethmann of Denver, Colo., Rachel Lewis of Norwich, Taylor, Sonja and Madeline Campbell of Oakdale; as well as three great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by a brother, Lennart Carlson.
A celebration of lrene's life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at Groton Congregational Church, 162 Monument St., Groton, followed by a reception at the church. There are no calling hours and burial will be private.
Donations may be made to Groton Congregational Church, Visiting Nurse Association of SECT or the giver's choice.
The family is grateful for Irene's marvelous caregivers over the past several years, in particular the staff at Pendleton Health who cared for her the last year and Center for Hospice Care who supported us all at the end of her earthly life.
www.byles.com.
My heart is so sad to know that we lost such a wonderful. I lived hear Irene, and was there so much of my high school years, and we spent a lot of time talking she was so much like a mother to me, she was such a careful, and honest person. such a loss.I just happend to be thinking of her when I saw this obituary and I'm so sad.Candy know that I so loved your mom, please call me some time
541 993 0437.
September 12, 2018
My condolences to the family. Losing a loved one is sorrow moment that it can't be described but knowing that our God have them in his memory because they are precious at his eyes give us comfort. Psalms 116:15
October 24, 2017
Anne and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Irene was a wonderful woman and will be dearly missed by all. I wish you all peace and the consolation that happy memories bring.
Barbara Clark-Greene
October 22, 2017 | Westerly, RI
Anne, Kent, Taylor, Sonja and Maddy,
I am so glad I got to know your sweet, dear,beautiful mother/Mormor. I know you
will miss her terribly, but you will always
have the wonderful memories to carry you through.
Mary Campbell, Indianapolis, Indiana
October 22, 2017
Anne and family...so sorry for your loss. Irene was a delightful lady and will be missed. Please know that your Indianapolis family is thinking of all you.
Sally, Bill and Elizabeth Grout
October 22, 2017 | Indianapolis, IN
