Irene l Carlson

CANFIELD -- Irene L. Carlson, 85, longtime resident of Canfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, at her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a short battle with an inoperable brain tumor.

Irene was born on Dec. 30, 1936, in Ashtabula, daughter of Eugene and Providence Grippe Vacca Brown. She was a 1955 graduate of Ashtabula High School, where she was a cheerleader and distinguished member of the choir. She had a beautiful voice, loved to sing and would later perform with Sweet Adelines.

At the age of 40, and while lovingly caring for her six children, Irene received her associate degree in nursing from Kent State University's Ashtabula Campus (1977) and began her nursing career at North Side Hospital in Youngstown. As a person who loved to learn, she furthered her education by obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Youngstown State University and continued until eventually receiving her C.C.R.N. She fulfilled her dream as an Open-Heart Recovery nurse and brought her clinical skills and compassion to Punta Gorda Hospital in Florida, and elsewhere as a traveling nurse. Irene cherished the many years she worked as a nurse, the patients she cared for, her colleagues and other healthcare professionals. Her love for healthcare blazed a trail that her children would follow.  It was only fitting that she maintained an active nursing license throughout her life.

On July 28, 1956, she married Keith L. Carlson of Kingsville, and together they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this year. As a couple, they loved to watch the Cleveland Indians in Winter Haven during spring training and at home while watching TV together.

Irene was an accomplished quilter, who at any given time would have two beautiful works of art in progress. She enjoyed entering them in the Canfield Fair, more for fairgoers to see than for the ribbons she won. She taught several members of her family the art of quilting so that they might carry on her passion. She also enjoyed cooking and baking large meals for her family, and especially those drawn from recipes that had been handed down over generations.

Irene will be dearly missed and fondly remembered for the kindness and generosity she showed to others, be they a loved one, a patient or a stranger; her empathy and love were felt by all those whose lives she touched.

She enjoyed going to Sunday morning Mass at St. Michael Church in Canfield.

Irene is survived by her husband, Keith L. Carlson; also by her children, Tina (William) Wepler, RN, Diane (Joseph) Gregor, Robin (Michael, R.Ph.) Martinelli, RN, Raymond (Lori, MS math) Carlson R.Ph., and Mark (Lisa, R.Ph.) Carlson, R.Ph.  She also loved and enjoyed her 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her son, Keith L. (Tracy, R.Ph.) Carlson II, R.Ph.; and grandson, Ryan A. Carlson.

The family will hold a private service.

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