Janet Cecelia Carlson

Janet Carlson was born on September 10, 1925 in Tacoma Washington. The daughter of Philip and Margrethe (Jessen) Hauge, she grew up in Parkland. She died in Centralia at the age of 93 on July 25, 2019 a week after suffering a fall and breaking four ribs.

Janet grew up just a 5-minute walk to the Pacific Lutheran College (PLC) campus. Her parents were instrumental in the development and growth of the college and it played a significant role in her family. Janet attended high school at PLC, graduating in 1943, as well as college. She earned her BA in Biology with minors in Sociology and Religion in 1946, and her BA in Education in 1954. Janet completed her later degree while also managing the responsibilities of tending to a young and growing family.

Janet met Ralph Oscar Carlson of Tacoma at PLC in their choral class. They married on July 1, 1947. Together they raised four children and enjoyed a life centered around their family and friends, church, and travel.

Janet taught school in Centralia for 10 years, then worked for the state – four years for DSHS and 11 years for L&I. She was a long-time member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and the Sons of Norway. She was generous with her time and resources and volunteered for many projects including Gloria Dei’s Charity Quilters, Women’s Group, Altar Guild, Midwife Kit Mission, Little Red School House, and the SON Stamp Collection project. She was also always a group leader for her children’s scout and 4-H groups. Janet’s hobbies included stamp saving, reading and gardening.

Ralph preceded her in death on October 28, 1996. Her parents, brother Laurence Hauge, and great- granddaughter Ashlee Martens also preceded her in death. Janet is survived by her children Gery (Jeanne) Carlson, Cecelia (Bob) Callison, Barbara (Jerry) Burnett and Johanna (Neal) Nielsen). She is also survived by nine grandchildren (Kelly Martens, Scott Pierce, Moon Callison, Eli Callison, Jason Burnett, Oleg Burnett, Anna Hay, Stephanie Lish and Con Nielsen), nine great-grandchildren, three great-great-great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 11:00 am at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia (1515 Harrison Ave. NW.). A luncheon served by the ladies of the church will follow.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to Gloria Dei’s Charity Quilters, Dr. Ralph Carlson Scholarship Fund at Centralia College, Lewis County Hospice or to your favorite charity.