Elizabeth (Bessie) Carlson

On Monday, May 17th, a sister, aunt, mother, and grandmother – more affectionately and to her dismay called ‘granny’, left a sudden gaping hole in the hearts of her family.  Born prematurely on January 11, 1939 in rural Pincher Creek, she arrived with a fighting spirit that continued throughout her life.

Fresh out of high school, Bessie McLeod married her husband of 56 years, Gordon Carlson, and together they raised their three children and were still in love 56 years later. Bessie worked as a teller in the Royal Bank and for many years with the Pincher Creek Coop in addition to being a farm wife.  She was dedicated to the United Church where she shared her musical talents by singing in the choir, singing solos, playing both organ and piano for countless weddings, memorial services and social events – a career that spanned decades and did not end until May 17. She was honored to have worked with Eden’s Funeral Home as a musician for many years and met many whom she enjoyed working with both in Pincher Creek and Fort Macleod.

She and Gordon loved to dance and despite the one-foot height difference between the two of them, danced around the kitchen often when no dance hall was available. Bessie took particular enjoyment in crafting, being a perfectionist when it came to sewing and knitting and most recently sharing her joy of knitting with wonderful friends in a knitting club. Flowers bloomed as a result of her green thumb and many hours were enjoyed on the lawn mower.

She would have loved to have travelled more, but…well, she married a farmer.  She was thrilled to travel to France and on a cruise with sister, Joyce, both wonderful adventures.                    

Left to miss her forever are her children Don Carlson (Elletta Harnack); Marjorie Latimer and her children: Lucas (Chantal) Latimer, Micah (Tanner) Laidlaw, Peyton Latimer and Isaac Latimer; Beth (Len) Hilliard and their children: Josh Hilliard (Dakota Van Loon) and Briana Hilliard (Tyler Zielke); her brothers Bill and Jack McLeod, her sister Joyce McLeod, her brother-in-law Joe Tuza as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at the United Church in Pincher Creek.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Windy Slopes Health Foundation, Box 2554, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0 or the Pincher Creek United Church, Box 667, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0.

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