Isabelle Demaris Carlson

1941 - 2025

Isabelle Demaris Carlson

January 16, 1941 - January 23, 2025

Modesto, California - Isabelle Demaris Carlson, 84 years old, of Modesto, CA passed away on Thursday January 23rd, 2025.

Isabelle was born January 16, 1941 to Claud and Ola Hollowell. She graduated from San Mateo High School, class of 1958. She was married and started her family in 1959.

In the 1970's, Isabelle volunteered and was active in the Women's rights movement. She also volunteered in the campaign of Geraldine Ferraro. She was an avid civil rights activist. Following her divorce, she worked night shift at Tillie Lewis Cannery and went to college during the day. Discovering a passion for numbers, she applied to Cal State University, Stanislaus, and graduated in 1981 with a degree in Accounting. She worked for Merced Color Press and World Color Press but later left the corporate world to be able to spend more time with her family. She then transitioned to taxes and audits and worked with Bill Gordon, CPA and later left to start her own business, Isabelle Carlson, CPA. Most of her clients became her friends because of her loving and helpful personality.

Isabelle was active in the community as a Girl Scout troop and Boy Scout den leader. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, later to be Crosspoint Church. She was active in Bible Study Fellowship, Prospect Theater, Modesto Symphony Orchestra, and The Garden Club. She had a green thumb and enjoyed working in her garden, loved hiking, cooking, walks on the beach, and camping. She taught us to live in the joy of the moment and to forget past transgressions and live in love.

She was the most loving and kind person most would meet. She will be greatly missed by her children and their spouses; Jennifer Carlson-Suarez, Peter Carlson, Claudia Carlson (Lisa Taylor), Erika Watson (Kelvin Watson), William Carlson (Debbie Geisdorff), and Ola Carlson. She was the Grandma and Gigi everyone wished they had and will be missed by Jermaine Garrido-Watson, Rylan Oxford, Katelyn Priest, Raymond Watson, Kelvin Watson Jr, Keshia Watson, Forest Hernandez, Elijah Suarez, Damaris Carlson, Elizabeth Villasenor, Hunter Carlson, Isabelle Altadonna, Anevay Carlson, and Amie Love.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ola Treffry and her grandson, Clavey Carlson.

We will have a memorial service on Saturday, February 22nd at 11 a.m. at True Light Community Church, 1417 Harris Ave, Modesto, CA 95351. All are welcome, please wear bright colors or florals to celebrate her life.