Mary Maudine Johnson Carlson

1953 - 2023

Vancouver - It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Mary Maudine Johnson Carlson, a devoted wife, loving mother and adoring grandmother. After a courageous battle with brain cancer, she went home to the Lord on November 28, 2023, surrounded by her family and the love that they shared.

Mary was born on March 3, 1953, to A. Elliott and Eileen Johnson in Mount Vernon, WA. She had a wonderful childhood growing up in the beautiful Skagit Valley spending summers at Samish Island, driving a pea truck, and working in the tulip fields and in the fish cannery. She attended Mount Vernon High School, cultivating lifelong friendships and memories. The natural wonders of her hometown nurtured in her a passion for birds and flowers that would stay with her throughout her life. This was evident in the vibrant gardens she cultivated and in the bird feeders that adorned her yard. Mary's love for God's creation was a testament to her appreciation of the simple joys of life.

Following high school graduation, Mary attended Skagit Valley Community College for a year before transferring to Washington State University in Pullman where she was a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. Some of Mary's favorite memories and most treasured friendships came from her years at WSU.

Mary's journey took an even more beautiful turn when she met the love of her life, Brad Carlson. Mary and Brad loved to share the story about how they met at a discotheque in Portland called Earthquake Ethel's. They were engaged within four months and then married two months later. Their response to everyone's surprise about the short courtship was always, "When you know, you know." They shared a 45-year marriage that was not only enduring but also a source of inspiration for those fortunate enough to witness their bond. Together, they navigated the joys and challenges of life hand in hand, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of shared experiences.

As a mother, Mary was a shining example of selflessness and unwavering support. She and Brad were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Lindsay and Megan. Mary poured her heart into nurturing and guiding her children, instilling in them the values of kindness and compassion as well as a deep faith in the Lord. Her legacy lives on through the love and strength she passed on to her family. Her greatest joy in life was getting to be Mormor to her four grandchildren.

In addition to her love for family and faith, Mary had an infectious joy that touched everyone she encountered. Following college, she had a rewarding career as a buyer with Nordstrom. The position took her to new and exciting places and helped develop her unparalleled customer service and innate ability to care for others. She later transitioned to a fulfilling 36-year-long career working alongside her husband and in-laws at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Cemetery Funeral Chapel and Crematory. She took great pride in working in the family business, especially when both of their daughters joined the profession. Her warm smile, kind words, and genuine concern for others endeared her to many.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Brad Carlson, their cherished daughters, Lindsay (PJ) Fisher and their two sons Jack and Will of Vancouver, WA; Megan (Doug) Field and their two children Ella and Oliver of Washougal, WA; Siblings Nancy (Roger) Sayer, Vicki Johnson and Rose Simonseth all of Mount Vernon, WA, Margaret (Bill) Neudorfer of Seattle, WA, a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. She is preceded in death by her parents, A. Elliott and Eileen Johnson, as well as her brother, Elliott Johnson.

A memorial service to celebrate Mary's life will be held on Saturday, January 6th at 2:00pm at Columbia Presbyterian Church in Vancouver, WA with a reception to follow at Royal Oaks Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to King's Way Christian School Scholarship Fund or the Child Abuse Assessment Team at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital, both organizations near and dear to Mary's heart.