Gail Ann Carlson of Lake Orion, Michigan (formerly of Bloomfield Township, Michigan), passed away surrounded by family on July 24, 2021, two days before her 85th birthday.
She was born the eldest of four sisters to Vernon Russell and Agnes Russell on July 26, 1936, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated from Southwest High School in 1954 and met her husband, Howard Carlson, at a University of Minnesota picnic that same year. They were married on June 14, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Together they raised five children: Julie, Lisa, Paul, John, and Amy.
Gail was the heart of her beloved family. She was a good listener who made everyone feel heard, often over a cup of coffee from a pot she seemed to always keep fresh, regardless of time of day or night. She was able to laugh often, even through her difficult final journey.
She truly enjoyed holidays and hosted many memorable occasions, from Christmas galas and Thanksgiving feasts to Fourth of July BBQs and summer pool parties (she always made sure everyone knew when the pool “opening” and “closing” days were).
She married a devout hunter and though she didn’t take to the field, everyone knew they could rely on the snacks and sandwiches – and, of course, a Thermos of hot, black coffee – she’d carefully prepared and packed to send along with many a hunting party.
While she loved seeing family and friends enjoying the backyard pool or beach, she rarely ventured into water. If asked, she told of going on a date as a teenager to go boating. When it was her turn to waterski, she got up on her first try, stayed up and never let go of the tow rope until she was almost back to shore – because she thought she couldn’t swim and she didn’t want to get her hair wet!
She was remembered as a protective and doting big sister who set an example for kindness and stylish appearance for the popular “Russell girls.” Never an aspiring chef, she was remembered for the delicious fudge concoctions she whipped up for her sisters.
Gail is survived by daughter Julie Carlson; daughter Lisa Lowe (Keith); son Paul Carlson; son John Carlson (Laura); daughter Amy Duncan (Rob); sister Julie Daggett (Michael); sister Susan Losenno; sister-in-law Marjorie Mathison; brother-in-law Wallace Carlson; 19 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Carlson; her parents, Vernon and Agnes Russell; and a sister, Karen Andrews.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 29, 4-8 p.m., at Pixley Funeral Home, 3530 Auburn Rd., Auburn Hills. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, July 30, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 80 S. Lynn St., Waterford, with Fr. James Mayworm officiating. Mrs. Carlson will lie in state at the church at 9:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Benedict Church, Howell Nature Center, or Grace Hospice.
