GLADSTONE - Virginia L. "Jean" Carlson, 83, of 317 N. 17th Street, Gladstone, passed away Friday afternoon, Feb. 5, 2010, surrounded by her loving family at the Marquette General Hospital following a brief illness.
Jean was born Dec. 22, 1926, in Rapid River, the daughter of Joseph and Stella (LaFave) LaBumbard. She was raised in Rapid River and Trenary and attended Rapid River and Rock High Schools.
Jean was united in marriage to Lester "Bud" Carlson in April of 1946, and they lived in Flint for a short time before making Gladstone their home. Bud and Jean celebrated 25 years of marriage just prior to his death in April of 1971.
Jean worked as a waitress in her earlier years, mostly at her parents' restaurant, "Stella's Cafe" in Gladstone. She was a homemaker and seamstress, doing alterations and formal dressmaking. After her husband passed away, she began working for Donna Soderman, cooking for Friday fish fries at "The Bungalow" as well as many other catering events. Working until age 79, Jean shared in Donna's love for preparing and serving food and treasured their special friendship.
She was an active member of All Saints Church where she served on the Funeral Luncheon Committee. She participated in many activities involving the All Saints School when her children attended. Jean was proud to be a charter member of the Rock American Legion Auxiliary. Her hobbies included gardening, knitting and crocheting, scrapbooking, and of course her cooking and baking.
Jean enjoyed caring for others, including elderly neighbors and relatives. Her house was a neighborhood gathering place for coffee and treats. There was always room at her table for anyone to share a meal.
Family was everything to her and they all would frequently gather at her home. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include: son, Brad Carlson of Rock; five daughters, Linda (Bob) Mahoney of Spalding, Marla (John) Moore of Rock, Sally (Bob) Olsen of Green Bay, Wis., Brenda Brunette of Rock, and Barbara Carlson of Escanaba; sister, Doris "Toodie" (Cliff) Carlson of Rock; 12 grandchildren, Todd, Joe, Tim, Pat, Mike, Jackie, Josh, Jody, Jenny, Erik, Heidi and Amanda; 10 great-grandchildren, Travis, Christian, Jake, Joseph, Trevor, Jordan, Taylor, Collin, Logan and Jaykob; numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Jean was preceded in death by an infant son, Richard; brother, Jim "E.J." LaBumbard; and three sisters-in-law and their spouses.
Jean's family will receive friends on Tuesday Feb. 9, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial services will follow at 5 p.m. at the All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow Mass in All Saints Church Parish Hall. Burial will be in Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. Memorial contributions in memory of Jean may be directed to the Lake Superior Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855. Please visit www.skradski-boycefuneralhomes.com where you can express your sympathy to the Carlson family, or to leave a memory tribute about Jean. Jean's family would like to give special thanks to the St. Francis Hospital E.R. Staff, Marquette General Hospital Staff and to Lake Superior Hospice for the excellent care received.
The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the family with arrangements.
