Virginia Kay Carlson

Virginia K. Carlson, 79, of Duluth, passed away on November 13.

Virginia was born on October 14, 1946, to Robert and Vera Gilbertson. She was the oldest daughter in a family of nine siblings, raised in Central Hillside.

In her early years, Virginia worked as a baker. Her wedding cakes were featured in local magazines, showcasing her passion for baking. However, it was as a mother that she truly thrived, dedicating her life to raising her four children. The one thing that made Virginia prouder than anything else in this life was her grandchildren.

Virginia was known for her fierce independence. Her children often recall her stubbornness after suffering a life-altering stroke at the age of 46. Refusing to slow down, she continued to live life on her own terms. Even with the use of only one arm, she managed to change diapers, cook entire holiday meals, and manage numerous trips to her house on top of the hill in Kenwood, after her many shopping trips.

When her husband, Dave, passed away in 2012, she still managed on her own for almost a decade. In 2021, she made her final move to Edgewood Vista Independent Living, where she continued to thrive and enjoy life. She found joy in neighborly gossip, baking for friends, and proudly showing off her grandchildren when they often visited.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Roger; sisters, Betty and Beatrice; and nephews, Blaine, Jimmy, and Tommy.

She will be sadly missed by her children, David (Missy), Greg (Teri), Jenny (Bruce) Anderson, and Katie (Tom) Kaylor; grandchildren, Brianna, Brooke, Chloe, Mikayla, Mya, Michael, Keira, Brighton, Lila, Gunnar, Evan, and Emily; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Bobby (Marilyn), Ken, Harry, Bill; sister, Judy; special cousin and friend, Betty Starcevic; and many nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 21st, at 11:00 am with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E Second Street, Duluth. Interment at Forest Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 218-727-3555.