Obituary of Mary Carlson

Mary Elizabeth Carlson of Stettler, formerly of Daysland, Alberta, passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at the age of 88 years. Mary Elizabeth Ryan was born in Coolnaboy, Oylegate, County of Wexford, Eire on July 18, 1928. She passed away on May 17, 2017 at the age of 88 years. Mary was a feisty, outgoing woman. With a desire to travel the world, she began nursing training in Dublin when she was 18 years old. Following her training she worked for ten years, first in Ireland, then on to England. In 1957, an ad in a medical journal, asking for nurses at the Daysland Hospital, convinced her to travel abroad. She felt she had nothing to lose as the hospital covered her fare. With her go-to attitude, sharp wit, and her honest opinions, Mary quickly made lifelong friends in Daysland, and she caught the eye of Roy Carlson. She once told him, "Don't get used to having me around. I'll be gone in six months time." His reply: "At least let me keep you company until you go." They married a year later in 1958. Mary and Roy immediately formed a family with their three sons Michael, Kevin, and Brian. She chose to retire from nursing to care for her boys, work on the farm, and take on the role of head cook and hockey mom. And while she never fully enjoyed cooking, she always had a pot of soup on hand and would often spoil everyone with her famous cinnamon buns. Mary's life was forever changed in 1982 when her son, Kevin, tragically died. Her faith carried her through this heartbreak as she knew that one day they would meet again. Mary cherished her family, her Irish heritage, and her faith in God. Throughout her life, she always made time for the people she loved, a good laugh, and heartfelt prayer. Mary is fondly remembered by Roy, her husband of 58 years; sons Michael (Margaret) and Brian (Susan); grandchildren Kristen, Jodie (Andrew), Danielle, Brittany, Wyatt, and Connor; great grandson Jackson; brother Aidan (Betty) Ryan; sisters Frances Harmon and Margo (Mogue) Doyle; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Mary was predeceased by her son Kevin; her parents Michael and Mary Catherine Ryan; brothers Patrick and James Ryan; sister Nancy Carey; and brothers-in-law Vin Carey and Owen Harmon. A Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, from Our Lady of the Prairies Roman Catholic Church in Daysland, Alberta, with Father Christian Nwaigwe officiating. Inurnment has taken place in the Daysland Cemetery. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Daysland Hospital Foundation.