Theo Carlson

Theo Taylor Carlson, 97, died on December 5, 2010, in Denver, CO, where she had lived for the past four-and-a-half years and where her four children reside. Prior to that time, she had lived in Bismarck, ND, for over 55 years. Services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, December 11, at First Presbyterian Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Jake Kincaid officiating. Private interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm and from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm Friday at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck. Theo was born and raised in Toledo, OH, the daughter of George Allison and Jessie (Snow) Taylor. She graduated from Cornell University with degrees in economics and journalism. She later attended the University of Chicago, where she received a master's degree in social work and met her future husband, Reuben E. Carlson, who also earned an MSW. They were married in Chicago on July 2, 1943. Reuben died on August 29, 1993. Theo was employed in Bismarck by the State Health Department as chief social worker at the State Psychiatric Clinic and later at St. Alexius Medical Center as a hospital social worker, especially on the kidney dialysis unit. She was a member and elder of First Presbyterian Church in Bismarck. Theo enjoyed a wonderful, independent life. Death was neither unexpected nor unwelcome, and her deep faith comforted her. She had many friends and was always interested in others. She was a gentle person who never spoke ill of anyone. All will remember her deep compassion and cheerful smile. She will continue on in our hearts to comfort and inspire us. Her special interests were Camps Farthest Out, an international evangelical Christian organization, and helping Native Americans and underprivileged immigrants from around the world. Theo is survived by her four children, George, Holly (Charles) Ramunno, Dawn, and Dr. Jay (Dr. Nancy), all of the Denver, CO, area; and by six grandchildren, Graham and Peter Carlson, Andrew Ramunno, Emily Reichert, and Julia and Sarah Carlson. She is also survived by a foster daughter, Dr. Soja Park (Dr. Thomas) Bennett; one niece, Mary Ellen (Walter) Purhamus; and three nephews, Michael (Delia) Mulvaney, Donald (Lousetta) Carlson, and Dennis Carlson. Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor's choice.