Lisa P. Carlson

LISA P. CARLSON passed away on January 17, 2009, from complications associated with a brain aneurysm. She was 54. The Houston, Texas native and Shell executive is survived by three children, son Trei Brundrett, his wife, Danielle and their two sons, Aedan and Joseph, all of Alexandria, Virginia, daughter Caitlin Carlson of Austin, Texas; and son Christian Carlson of The Woodlands, Texas. Also a brother, Miles Purdom of Austin, Texas; and a sister-in-law, Lori Purdom, and niece, Kaylyn Purdom, both of Bandera, Texas. Lisa is also survived by step-mother Joan Purdom of Conroe Texas; an aunt, Cine Latham and cousin Beau Latham, both of Tucson, Arizona; step-brother John Strasburger, wife Pam and children Samantha and Jack, of Houston and numerous second cousins residing in Texas and Arizona. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Don and Billie Purdom of Conroe Texas, and her brother, Rob Purdom of Santa Ynez, California. Lisa P. Carlson was born Lisa Jan Purdom on September 8, 1954 in San Angelo, Texas. She was the second of three children and moved with her family to the Spring Branch area of Houston as a young girl. The family then moved to Cut-n-Shoot, Texas where Lisa graduated from Conroe High School. She enrolled in Texas A&M University where she majored in business and graduated from The University of Texas in San Antonio with a degree in Marketing. While Lisa enjoyed a successful and energizing career life, her joy and love was her children, grandchildren, and family. She would spend hours planning special dinners and events. She especially enjoyed leading people to believe nothing was to occur beyond the ordinary, then unveiling the extraordinary to the delight of all. There was no greater delight, no bigger laugh than when Lisa had completely surprised someone with the unexpected. Lisa created and lived many special memories with her children. She planned one-on-one vacations and breaks with each of her children, traveling to special sights of interest, beaches, the mountains, international cities and beyond. Grandmother, Ella Purdom, of Amarillo, Texas was Lisa's pride and joy and vice-versa. The two experienced the richness of life for many years visiting, shopping, sewing, laughing, crying, and joking - before Ella passed away, still young-at-heart at age 101. But it is her childhood friend, Pamela Alley of Houston, Texas whom children, relatives and friends will forever remember as Lisa's guardian angel. Pam visited, cared-for and remained at Lisa's bedside every day during her recovery, rehabilitation and hospice care. Lisa held various positions in marketing and consulting with Royal Dutch Shell since 1997. She was most recently Global Director of Marketing for Shell Fast Lubes. Her love for her work most often manifested itself in the way she mentored others. While assigned to Shell People Services in London, she led the creation of Shell's European Women's Forum, which was voted the top program of its kind in Europe in 2003. John Hoffmeister, retired president and CEO of Shell Americas, said ""Lisa was a friend to all who knew her. Her enthusiasm infected us; her curiosity was ever fresh; her desire to do good always present. Her eye contact was her trademark: she captured your attention and held you close to her. Her gift was her enduring respect and love for all her friends." Lisa lived a vibrant and active life, enjoying it to its fullest extent. Friends and family will forever remember her spontaneity, gregarious laughter and the strong-willed spirit. A celebration service for Lisa's life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 3 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 2727 North Loop 336 West, Conroe, Texas, with Pastor Larry Cotton officiating. Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association online at http://amha.convio.net/goto/lcarlson or via phone at 1-800-AHA-USA1. The family invites friends and colleagues to share their stories about Lisa for collection in a book: www.lisastory.com.