Nancy V. Carlson of Grand Marais died early September 25, 2014 at the North Shore Hospital in Grand Marais, as her doctor, Dr. Jenny Delfs, was singing to her. Nancy had been dealing with carcinoid cancer these past six years.
She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Michael.
She was born in 1941 in St. Paul. Nancy graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School in 1959. Nancy lived in the Twin Cities until 1997, when she retired to Grand Marais.
She got her teacher education at Winona State and taught in the St Paul Schools for 31 years as an elementary teacher. She spent her last ten years in Chapter One primarily as an administrator of reading programs.
In Grand Marais Nancy became involved in many community activities. She was involved with quilting, gardening, cooking, hiking, books, theater and music. She was a Master Gardener, Lioness, Garden Club member, Grand Marais Playhouse actress, and active in her church. She helped plan, plant and maintain community gardens.
For many years, Nancy led a group of men and women on two-to threehour hikes once a week over many of the beautiful forest trails throughout Cook County. During the winter she would plan and lead cross country ski outings. Her hikes and skiing were always open to the public so anyone could join.
After illness kept her from continuing the hikes, she continued to be in charge of the Garden Club town planting, which makes the City of Grand Marais a lovely place to walk.
Last month she was declared Citizen of the Year for Cook County.
The Memorial Service will be at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, October 5. It will be at the First Congregational Church in Grand Marais.
Memorials preferred to the Nancy and Mike Carlson Scholarship Fund at Cook County Higher Education. www.northshorecampus.org.
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