MARY JEANNE CARLSON

MJ was one of the finest human beings I've ever known. Thank you for reminding me of this crusty, capable, honest and all around wonderful woman. RIP MJ.

I'm stunned. Speechless. Which for me is something MJ would have certainly appreciated. We were "best friends" for nearly 40 years, the last decade mostly by e-mail but close nevertheless. I wondered why she hadn't replied to my most recent missives and then reluctantly went the Google route to see what she was up to. And so I was stunned. But no less loving.

What a shock to hear from Jerry Cotler via Joe Barr that our beloved MJ had passed on. I only met her once in person, but we were telephone friends for years and then by e-mail. She touched many lives over the years. My heartfelt condolences to you both, Ron and Sarah. I know what you are feeling having lost both my parents and then my significant other. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you adjust.

MJ was my a long time friend/cousin of my mom's (Pidge) from Ely MN!! May they be reunited in love, memories and laughter!! With great condolences to all her family and friends, Gwenn (Jenko/Hodowanic/Slabodnik) Spence (Middletown, RI)

Aside from being kind and giving, a terrific wife, a wonderful mother, a friend till the end, MJ was the funniest woman to set foot on this earth. We will miss her, but grateful we had the chance to share so much fun. Our love to Ron and Sarah. Cathe and Shannon Hall

MJ was a dear neighbor and a loved intellectual stimulus. Every encounter on our block would inevitably lead to a loong discussion of films, social justice, family, business ethics, the arts or whatever! It is hard to imagine our world without her. It is a loss to our community. But, we will always hold the memory of her dear to us and her contributions to our life will always be with us, bringing a smile to our face when we think of her. A grand toast to MJ!! Joe Block, Debbie Pavick and...

I had the pleasure of working with MJ at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. She was one-of-a kind. Her energy and passion were inspiring, and she could always solve any problems I had, by whipping someone's card out of her amazing rolodex. My deepest condolences to her family.

I had the privilege of working with MJ at NAMM when we were in Chicago. She was a spirit to be around and always did more than what was expected.

MJ was an inspiration, a great neighbor and a truly caring friend. She could tell me where to go for the best pizza, the best movies, the best music, she knew what the inside story was on just about everything and she was generous with all that she knew. She was a bright light and I will miss her so very much.

My heartfelt condolences to Ron and Sarah.