Oct. 1, 1917 - Feb. 19, 2013

Isabel Mathilda Johanson Carlson passed away quietly on February 19, 2013, at the age of 95. She is survived by her loving husband, Harold, and children: Bob, Cathy, Mary, Betsy (Eric), Bill (Lori), and by grandchildren: Margaret, Mark, Nikolai, Connor, Johanna, Alec, Emily and Claire. Isabel was born in Portland, Oregon, to Hjalmar Theodore and Selma Mathilda Johanson, immigrants from the Swedish speaking Åland Islands in Finland. She was predeceased by her brothers, Richard and Roy.

Isabel graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland and also attended the University of Oregon. She worked for many years as a Legal Secretary to help support her family during the Depression.

As a child, Isabel met her future husband, Harold, at a local Swedish picnic in Portland. Years later, their paths crossed again and they married in 1949. Isabel’s next role was as a Naval Officer’s wife, moving every few years with children in tow. They eventually settled in Los Altos, where Isabel made life-long friends through weekly cul-de-sac cocktail parties, monthly Bridge games, and her annual Glögg parties at Christmas time.

In later years, Isabel and Harold enjoyed travelling to nearly every Continent. Isabel also enjoyed the fellowship of various Swedish social clubs and volunteering at The Terraces in Palo Alto. Above all, Isabel delighted in the crowded, noisy Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners that brought her large family together every year.

A memorial service celebrating Isabel’s faith and life will be held at Los Altos Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at 2:00pm. All who knew Isabel will mourn her passing but celebrate a full and gracious life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Salvation Army, or the American Diabetes Association.

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