Carolyn J. Ohlson's Obituary
Carolyn died Feb. 7, 2006 at the age of 70 from the effects of a stroke with her family all around her. She was born June 21, 1935 in Manson, Washington to Charlie and Jennie Smith. Her family moved to Granite Falls, Washington in 1944 and eventually to Tacoma in 1949. Carolyn attended Jason Lee Jr. High and Stadium High School where she graduated in 1953.Carolyn met her future husband in 1950 commencing a long term relationship culminating in their marriage in 1960. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Richard W. Ohlson, two daughters and a son: Camille Ohlson, Alexandra Page (Tom), and Wesley Ohlson (Kimberly). Six grandchildren: Gretchen, Julia, and Spencer (Page); Nike, Jake, and Gracie (Ohlson); a brother, Wayne of Kalispell, Montana. She was pre-deceased by her brother Ron. Carolyn had a brief glamorous career in the 1950Â's. While in Los Angeles she auditioned for a dancing role at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. She not only got the job but appeared on the cover of LIFE Magazine on her 19th birthday as the Â"Prettiest Chorus Girl in Las Vegas.Â" In Las Vegas she knew all the major entertainers, including the Â"Rat Pack.Â" At her 19th birthday party, Howard Hughes was the door man. From Las Vegas she migrated to New York City where she became a top photographers model for the Ford Agency. After her modeling career she returned to Tacoma and married Richard and became an accomplished gardener, and as a member of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club, an avid golfer.A memorial service will be held at 1pm on February 21, 2006 at St. MaryÂ's Episcopal Church in Lakewood, followed by a reception at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood in her name.
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