Marlene J. Carlson's Obituary
Marlene Joyce Carlson
March 12, 1945 – April 6, 2017
Marlene J. Carlson was born March 12, 1945 in Tacoma, Washington to Lawrence and Margaret Carlson, who predeceased her. She was the middle child and is survived by older sister, Shirley Olsen (Vagn) and younger sister, Linda Laybourn (Don), of Gig Harbor. Marlene grew up in a home her father built on Sprague Street in Tacoma where she enjoyed playing all the customary games of the time such as jump rope, hopscotch and jacks. Later, when the street was widened and the freeway was built, her family home was sold and relocated to make way. Her father built a brand new home in University Place where she attended Curtis High School, graduating in 1963.
Marlene was an Auntie Extraordinaire. Much like Mary Poppins, she would pop in and help with the care of all her nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and the children of many families in her neighborhood in University Place. She retained her childlike wonder and youthful joy throughout her life and had a silly sense of humor to boot. This made her an exceptionally fun babysitter that joined in the merriment rather than just watching. Marlene had a fascination with guardian angels, and much like an earthly angel, she was fiercely protective of her family and also made sure no one ever lost any of his or her belongings. Although she never drove a car, she was an expert at navigating the bus system and would take children in her care on adventures and often to the dime store to buy a small bag of sweets.
On every birthday, those she knew could count on receiving a greeting from Marlene, as she had an excellent memory for dates and never forgot a single one. Additionally, she was the family archivist that kept every piece of memorabilia, such as birth and wedding announcements, invitations and newspaper clippings, relevant to the family history.
Some of the things that brought Marlene joy were flowers, gardening (especially growing tomatoes), keeping goldfish, playing the accordion and enthusiastically joining in on a good old-fashioned Chicken Dance! She loved arts and crafts, took many trips to Michael’s, Jo Ann’s, Hobby Lobby and the Dollar Tree and spent numerous hours working on her projects.
Marlene also loved the Lord. Although she was a confirmed Lutheran, she was not concerned with differences in dogma and would attend several of the churches in her neighborhood as well. She spent the majority of her latter years attending Peninsula Lutheran Church in Gig Harbor where she loved to help fold the Sunday bulletins.
Life was not always fair or kind to Marlene. She endured many hardships and in spite of it, remained a fiercely strong and independent personality to the very end. Anyone who dared argue with her was certain to lose. Don’t mess with Marlene, Auntie Extraordinaire!
Also mourning her loss are nephews Wayne Olsen (Louise), Dave Olsen (Michelle), Rick Laybourn, Chris Laybourn, Kelly Laybourn and niece Vicki Beausoleil (Duane) as well as several grandnephews, grandnieces, a great-grandnephew and three great-grandnieces.
Heaven just gained an extraordinary auntie angel.
We hope she is on duty watching over us.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a favorite charity of your choice in Marlene's name.
What’s your fondest memory of Marlene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marlene?
Share a story where Marlene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marlene you’ll never forget.
How did Marlene make you smile?
