Violet May Carlson
Violet May Carlson, 89, of Columbia Falls, passed away on April 15, 2010.
She was born April 14, 1921 in Ogema, Minn., to Raymond and Emma LaValley. On April 13, 1941, she married James C. Carlson in Pelican Rapids, Minn.
Violet was a lifetime member of Daughters of the Nile, Sapphira Temple #79 and Order of the Eastern Star, Vista Chapter #44.
She will be especially remembered for: Living life her way. She was fearless when it came to trying something new. There wasn't anything she couldn't do and do well. Her mind gave way to an incredible imagination and her hands were her instruments to carry out her artistry. She was an accomplished seamstress and worked many years as the costume designer for the Whitefish Theatre Company. She raised money for various organizations by sharing her collection of antique clothing and accessories, taking people back in time with vintage fashion shows. She was a gifted musician.
She was a notable antique collector, appraiser and dealer. In her lifetime she worked as a dental hygienist, tax preparer, waitress, cashier, volunteer and homemaker.
As she stated many times, "I grow old learning something new every day."
Survivors include; brother, William LaValley and sister-in-law Theresa of Columbia Falls; brother Thomas LaValley and sister-in-law Dixie of Columbia Falls; brother-in-law Paul Hillestad of Newport, Wash.; son, Thomas Carlson and his wife Claudia of Lake Oswego, Ore.; daughter, Rae McMaster of Kalispell.; son, Vernon Carlson of Williston, N.D.; daughter, Paula Robinson and her husband Richard of Columbia Falls; grandchildren include Suzanne Carlson, Scott and Laurie Gordon, Kevin and Heather McMaster, Dave and Angela LeFebvre, Erin Carlson, Steven Robinson, Michael Robinson, Jeremy and Mary Kellogg; great-grandchildren Tasja and Adrian McMaster, William Blake and many nieces and nephews.
Violet was preceded in death by her father and mother, Raymond and Emma LaValley; her husband, James C. Carlson; her sister, Betty Hillestad; her son-in-law Frank McMaster and grandsons Carey and Ian McMaster.
A memorial service will be held in July when family and friends can gather in celebration of her life.
If love could have saved you Mom, you would have lived forever.
Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.