Irene Maria Carlson

1927 - 2017

Groton - Irene Maria Carlson, 90, of Groton, entered into eternal life on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017.

She was born in New London, on July 14, 1927, to Swedish parents Hugo and Sonja Carlson. Irene lived a life of faith and service. Her roles included eldest sister, mother, grandmother, friend and above all, dedicated nurse. She discovered her passion early and from her graduation from Joseph-Lawrence School of Nursing in 1949 through her decades-long career with Visiting Nurses Association, she was the ultimate caregiver.

Irene was hard-working, playful, thoughtful, honest, direct and empathetic. She was a survivor of many challenges both physical and emotional. She stayed positive and never complained. She was a beautiful being inside and out and even earned the title of Queen of the Harvard-Yale Regatta in 1949. She enjoyed traveling, was a talented seamstress, avid reader and crossword puzzle expert.

Her greatest joys were spending time with her family, hosting holidays at her home and attending church. Later in life, she enjoyed bird watching from her window and frequent trips to Eastern Point Beach. She will be remembered best for her wonderful smile, twinkling blue eyes and motto to Always Count Your Blessings.

She is survived by daughters, Candice Chambers of Bozrah and Anne Campbell of Oakdale, and their spouses; brother, David Carlson of Middletown; sister, Elsie Barrett of Lexington, Neb.; grandchildren, Kirsten Bethmann of Denver, Colo., Rachel Lewis of Norwich, Taylor, Sonja and Madeline Campbell of Oakdale; as well as three great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a brother, Lennart Carlson.

A celebration of lrene's life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at Groton Congregational Church, 162 Monument St., Groton, followed by a reception at the church. There are no calling hours and burial will be private.

Donations may be made to Groton Congregational Church, Visiting Nurse Association of SECT or the giver's choice.

The family is grateful for Irene's marvelous caregivers over the past several years, in particular the staff at Pendleton Health who cared for her the last year and Center for Hospice Care who supported us all at the end of her earthly life.

www.byles.com.