Carolyn A. French

1943 - 2024

Eighty full years of loving, living, and laughing with those around her.
Her smile made you feel welcome. Her wisdom made you feel capable. Her optimism gave you confidence, and her kindness made you feel cared for. Her loyalty made you feel protected, and her love made you feel safe. Carolyn made you feel important, like you mattered, and really just made you feel better. About everything.
Alaska has always been home. Anchorage is where she grew up and where she started her family with Ted Carlson. After relocating to Fairbanks in 1976, she worked for Frontier Transportation during the height of the pipeline days. It was in Fairbanks that she met and married Don Olson, a relationship she enjoyed for many years. In 1985 she purchased Santa's Travel in North Pole and the next 25 years were spent helping her clients get to the far reaches of the world to celebrate milestones, mourn loved ones, explore, relax, check off bucket-list items, or conduct business. She was creative and steadfast for her clients, whom she always considered friends. Her employees admired her work ethic and the fun-loving atmosphere she provided in the office. In 2010, she sold the travel agency to a valued employee but continued to be a guiding presence in the office. Carolyn took advantage of some of her newly discovered free time by serving on the Board of Directors for the Carol H. Brice Family Center, a volunteer commitment that she enjoyed immensely.
Carolyn battled Alzheimer's in her later years, but even through the fog of the disease, she never lost her connection to those she loved. She still recognized her family and continued to hold close those who meant the most to her, a testament to the deep bonds she held throughout her life. During the early stages of her illness, Carolyn found community and support at Raven Landing in Fairbanks, where neighbors helped care for each other. In her final years, following a debilitating stroke, she received kind and compassionate care from Primrose Retirement Community in Wasilla and later, Ancora Hospice.
The final days and hours of Carolyn's life were spent surrounded by her family. She left this world wrapped in love and listening to one of her favorite songs, "Sweet Caroline." She slipped out of this world and into another where her parents, John and Helen French; brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Susie French; son, Dale Carlson; and grandson, Kevin Carlson were waiting for her.
Carolyn continues to be loved and missed by her children, Gene (Trish) Carlson and Kelly (David) Atlee; daughter-in-law, Heather Carlson; grandchildren, John Carlson, Troy Carlson, Kacey (Shelby) Groves, Kennedy Atlee, and Kambell Atlee; and her great-grandchildren, Malakai Carlson, Warren Groves; and a wonderful collection of great friends.
We will celebrate Carolyn's life and raise a glass to toast a remarkable, generous, kind, and strong woman at a later date.
If you want to honor her memory think about paying it forward, or consider supporting hospice, Pet Pride, Alzheimer's Resources of Alaska or an organization that has special meaning to you.
To contact Carolyn's family, please email atlee@gci.net.