Ingrid CARLSON

Ingrid Laurie Carlson was a fierce warrior who survived breast cancer, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and gracefully lived with Alzheimer's Disease for over 10 years. Ing was a successful participant in a clinical trial led by Dr. David Greeley, which slowed the decline of Alzheimer's Disease, giving her many more good years. Ingrid died peacefully Thursday, October 9, surrounded by love, with her family and friends by her side. She was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on August 21, 1945, to Myrtle (Myrt) Serene Hanson and Oliver Frankin Carlson. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Larry Carlson; and her sister, Greta (Dick) Peterson.

Ingrid grew up working at the family root beer stand, and after graduating in 1963 from Logan High School, she received her RN degree from Swedish Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her passion was helping people and while protesting the Vietnam War, Ingrid decided to be a helper. She joined the USAF from 1973-75. She served in the Philippines as a First Lieutenant Reserve in the Nurse Corps. in the Military Airlift Wing and took part in Operation Babylift.

After Ingrid's military service, she made her home in Spokane where she worked at Sacred Heart Hospital as a nurse in OB, Cardiac Care, and ICU. She also worked at Airway Heights Prison and Planned Parenthood. Ingrid's love was home IV therapy, where she travelled to homes in Washington, Idaho and Montana. Ingrid was on the national board in the development of PICC line standards. She and Mary Goodwin co-authored an article for the Journal of Intravenous Nursing, "Retrospective Look at Three Years of PICC Insertions."

Not only was Ingrid passionate about helping people, but she also had a deep connection with animals and often had a wide variety of pets, hers and others, surrounding her. If you knew Ingrid, you heard stories of Murphy (monkey) and Tommy (African Grey Parrot) and all the other animals she loved in her life. It was not uncommon to find the neighbor's cat lying on the kitchen table.

Alzheimer's Disease was especially difficult for Ingrid because she loved learning. While nursing, Ingrid earned a degree in welding and carpentry, which was quite handy when she built her own house. She also went to massage school where she met Barb, the love of her life.

Ingrid was well loved. She is survived by her partner, Barb McKay of 30+ years. Also, her daughter, Laurie (Brian) FreemanVanderhoofs of Spokane; her stepdaughter, Marci McKay of Seattle; and stepson, Matt (Heather)McKay of Rosalia. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jerica (26), Madi (20), Camden (19), Callie (14), Willa and Finn (12), and Cooper (10). Ingrid was a loved Auntie to Susan Pierce, Gary (Corrine) Peterson, David (Carlene) Peterson, and Greg Peterson.

We would like to thank Gentiva Hospice for the kindness and compassion in Ingrid's care, and to CJ Gribble for the unwavering support and comfort in her final days.

Thank you to the Braniacs, the Alzheimer's support group that created lasting connections and life-long friendships for Ingrid and Barb.

Donations in Ingrid's memory to All Heart Infusion, 601 S. Division St. Suite B, Spokane, WA 99202, Allheartinfusion.org.