Published in the April 19, 2016 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Patricia I. (McKenna) Carlson, 85, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 16 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.
Born in Malden on Aug. 10, 1930, she was one of five children of the late Patric and Margaret (Kelley) McKenna. Patricia was raised in Malden where she graduated from Cheverus All Girls School.
She married William H. Carlson on Oct. 23, 1955 at Sacred Hearts Church in Malden and they settled in Wakefield in 1963.
A family-oriented woman, she remained at home to help raise her four sons and, after they had grown, found a job doing something she loved as a baker at Wakefield High School. She was well known by students for her famous chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.
In her free time, she enjoyed square dancing with husband Bill. She was also an avid knitter, enjoyed crochet and was very proud of Irish heritage. She loved Irish music and enjoyed Swedish weaving at the Milano Senior Center.
Patricia was happiest at her home with her family in Greenwood. She was a 50-year parishioner of Most Blessed Sacrament Church and a longtime member of the Women’s Guild. She was a loving, kind and supportive mother and cherished visits by her grandchildren. She will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends.
Mrs. Carlson was the beloved wife of the late William H. Carlson with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Kenneth Carlson of Wakefield, Timothy Carlson and his wife Christine of Melrose, John Carlson and his wife Julianne of Wakefield and Richard Carlson and his wife Michele of Wakefield. She was the dear sister of Ethel Bulger of Quincy and the late Marguerite Gillis, Gerry McKenna and John McKenna. She was the cherished grandmother of Denise, Michael and his wife Whitney, Scott, Joseph, Justine, Shana and Shawn. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Patricia’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m., and again on Thursday at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for her funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. For online tribute or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
