Gladys Carlson

December 29, 1922 – April 26, 2020

Gladys Carlson, age 97, passed away at home on April 26, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. She grew up in Rainier Valley, married Bert E. Carlson, Sr. on July 10, 1942, and stayed 72 years in their Columbia City home.

Gladys lived a rich and full life enjoying time with her family, music, dancing, travel, camping, gardening, sewing and homemaking. Gladys was always there for her family’s many moments and milestones. She worked several jobs part-time while raising her family and later full-time as a bank teller at Seafirst Bank. Gladys was a Girl Scout and Brownie Troop Leader, a Secretary for her Garden Club, and in the Mother’s Club for Order of Rainbow Girls Ark Assembly #23. She served as a volunteer staffer for the election polls, was a member of the Columbia City Historical Society and the Sons of Norway.

Music and dancing brought Gladys joy; she was a fantastic dancer. She also delighted in her walks with the Seward Park Walkers (or any family member or friend who would accompany her). Gladys and her husband were in a square dance group that once appeared on television. Her travels always involved friends or family and brought her to Texas, Alaska, Hawaii, up and down the western U.S., Rochester, NY to New York City, and up and down the eastern U.S. from Florida to Washington, D.C. She especially loved trips to places where she could dance to her son’s dance band.

In 1971, Gladys, along with her husband and son, opened the International Schooner, a dance night club in Ballard, which they operated until 1982. Gladys worked hard running the Schooner and there taught Scandinavian folk dancing.

When she wasn’t walking or dancing Gladys might be gardening, tending to her many flowers, or canning her pears and cherries. She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing everything from nightgowns to prom dresses. Many a Christmas included pictures of her family in their matching PJ’s she had lovingly sewn.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Carl & Inga Christophersen, two sisters, and four brothers and sisters-in-law. She is survived by her husband of 77 years, Bert E. Carlson, Sr.; son Bert; two daughters and son-in-law, Gloria (Borge) and Linda; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Providence Hospice and Gladys’ supportive caregivers.

Due to the current pandemic, the immediate family will hold a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity, as she gave to many.