Patricia (Pat) Carlson

June 23, 1935 – August 19, 2023

Patricia (Pat) Carlson, 88, of Marcellus, passed away on Saturday August 19, 2023, peacefully in her sleep. 

She was born June 23, 1935, in Chesterton, IN to Russell “Pop” and Edith “Edie” Friday (nee Johnson). Pat married the love of her life, Norman W. Carlson, Jr. on July 18, 1952, in Chesterton. In 1960, they moved to Decatur, MI to continue farming.

Pat and Norm built an extensive farming operation in southwest Michigan and were blessed with a large family and many friends. After Norm passed in 1997, Mom continued to enjoy spending time with friends and family, expanding her many artistic skills, grocery shopping, visiting Lake Michigan, going to yard sales and antique shops, flower and herb gardening, and not cooking. She was always ‘on the go’ with her close pals, never at a loss for the next adventure. She loved to laugh and smile. Her smile was infectious and always there. 

She had the most unusual and interesting collections. From coffee pots and ceramic roosters to exotic paperweights and wooden birds. From rolling pins and cake plates to every kind of Christmas decoration imaginable. It was her joy and passion and gave everyone else beautiful things to see and talk about.

Pat is survived by her children, Crystal Haefner (Bruce), Sheree Slott (Jim), Edward Carlson (Jody), Candace McClung (Tom), Norman Carlson (Karen), and Cindy Kusmack (Kevin); 15 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; her siblings, Barbara Newton (Richard), Henry (Hank) Friday (Julie); and her dear sister-in-law, Doris (Les) Friday. She will be greatly missed by all.

Pat was cremated and will be interred next to Norm in Charleston Cemetery, Volinia Township, in a private ceremony. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, www.macular.org  and click on “Donate”.  There you can make a tribute in her name.