Mavis Carolyn Carlson

Mavis Carolyn (Lindgren) Carlson was born July 27, 1933 in Forest Lake, Minnesota. According to her mother, she was born in the Mattson Funeral Home. Mavis passed away on November 14, 2023, but her spirit lives on in heaven and in the hearts of her loving family.

Mavis grew up in Scandia, Minnesota, where she helped her dad on the family farm and was known as an “outdoor” girl. All her life, she was strong in body and spirit despite her petite stature. She loved outdoor activities: walking, gardening, berry-picking, having tea on the front porch and picnics on the back deck. She was well-known as a fabulous cook and baker and a gracious hostess for family and guests. Always proud of her Swedish heritage, she enjoyed sharing that background with delicious cookies, treats and old family recipes. For their 50th wedding anniversary in 2004, Luther and Mavis co-authored a 264-page family heritage cookbook, their frequently used and greatly treasured gift to family members.

During their 68-year marriage, Bud and Mavis moved from Minnesota to California, Massachusetts, and Washington, following career opportunities for Bud. Regardless of where she was living, Mavis enjoyed her church and neighborhood friends. She actively engaged in church activities and especially enjoyed participating with the quilters and women’s groups at First Lutheran Church of Bothell. Perhaps her greatest joy came from time spent with her grandchildren. Mavis and Bud often said, “Our most important job is building memories for the grandchildren.”

Mavis will be remembered for her warm-from-the-oven cookies; her happy tears (“Grandma’s crying again—she must be happy!”); her beautiful flower gardens and welcoming home; her determination and strong faith; and mostly for her abiding love for her family.

Mavis is survived by her husband Luther “Bud” Carlson; her children: Mark (Diane), David (Rosalie), Lynne Charlot, and Steven (Robin); nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and her brother Myron Lindgren.

A memorial service to honor the life of Mavis Carlson will be held January 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church of Bothell. Gifts in her memory may be given to International Rett Syndrome Foundation or Lutheran Indian Ministries.

Mavis Carlson; December 9, 2019