Verna Jean Karlson's Obituary
Verna Jean (Bridgeman) Karlson, born in Seattle’s Swedish Hospital died in Lakewood at the home of her daughter with MultiCare Hospice support. She is survived by four children, Fredrick Karlson III, Mark Karlson, Gayle Karlson-Wells, Susan (Karlson) Carlson, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Fredrick A. Karlson, Jr. after 58 years of marriage. The two of them met at the University of Oregon in 1946 and married seven months later. They moved often including tours of duty in Alaska, Washington D.C. and Hawaii. Their love of travel continued after retirement which included three cruises around the world, a safari in Africa, a month-long journey through India and river tours of Europe.
Verna graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane. She had many talents such as being an accomplished pianist, award winning artist and a Garden Club of America Floral judge. She loved her years as a docent at Lakewold Gardens, studying Ikebana, and being a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Tacoma Arts and Crafts Association and Tacoma Garden Club.
Internment will be a St. Mary’s Episcopal Church of Lakewood. Verna loved a party and we will celebrate with a memorial when it is safe to gather. A donation in her memory can be made to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church or Lakewold Gardens.
Please contact the funeral home with any questions and we encourage friends and family to check back for service updates.
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