Mary Ellen Carlson, age 82, of Machesney Park, Illinois passed away surrounded by her family at her home on Thursday, August 17, 2023. She was born to Mary Ann (Younkee) Merchant in Mason City, Iowa on August 30, 1940. Mary Ellen married the love of her life George Carlson Jr. on October 19, 1957 in Rockford, Illinois. Before she retired her favorite job was serving lunch and building relationships with students in the Harlem School District, mostly at Machesney Park Elementary School. Mary Ellen loved to craft, she was most well known for her card making, cake decorating, and wreath crafting.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, George Carlson Jr.; children, Cheri (Mike) Denniston, George (Anneliese) Carlson III, Mary Ellen (Richard) Rice, and Jerry Carlson; grandchildren, Brady (Rhonda) Denniston, Justin (Ryann) Denniston, George Carlson IV, Malarie Carlson, Steffen Carlson, Rylie Carlson, George Carlson V, Shannon Rice, Whitney Rice, Jordan Carlson, and Annabel Carlson; and great-grandchildren, Karsten, Wyatt, Izabella, and Maddelyn.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her mother and step-father, Mary Ann and Jim Merchant, and two brothers.
Special thank you to Melissa Bishop, Wilhelmina Allen, and Promedica Hospice for their loving compassionate care.
Mary Ellen will forever remembered as someone who made everyone she met feel very special. She was exceptionally liked by her friends and neighbors. One of her favorite things to do was to spend time with her grandchildren who she loved very much. Mary Ellen went by many names: Mama, Mommy, Mom, Nana, Grandma and Spongebob Nana. Mary Ellen had a heart of gold and there won't be a day that goes by that she will not be missed.
A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in Mary Ellen's name.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the Carlson family.
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