Jessie Carlson, 90, Dies; Was Longtime Resident

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Category: Obituaries

Created on Wednesday, 25 September 2024 14:07

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Verna “Jessie” Carlson

On Wednesday September 4, 2024, Verna “Jessie” Carlson, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away at the young age of 90.
Jessie was born December 28, 1933, in Hydaburg, to Edward Clay Hamilton and Leona Josephine (Imhoff) Hamilton. She grew up in Hydaburg, before moving to Sitka to attend Sheldon Jackson High School.
While attending Sheldon Jackson High School and becoming a star for the girls’ basketball team, she met the love of her life, Charlie Carlson. They were married on March 10, 1951.
Throughout her life, Jessie had many occupations. She worked as an aide at Sitka Community Hospital; in the kitchen at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital; and in housekeeping at the Sitka Pioneers Home. Most importantly, she was a fisherwoman. Not only did she and Charlie own a boat that was named after her – the FV Verna C – they raised their children on the boat while working around all fishing seasons. She would fish with the crew and cook all meals, all while being a referee, guidance counselor, disciplinarian, safety overseer and a loving mother to their children. This made her a Superwoman.
Jessie cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always ensuring they felt her unwavering love. She loved spending time with family, creating countless memories they will now carry forever. Family was everything to her.
Her favorite pastimes were watching TV game shows, Hallmark movies, playing bingo, playing Yahtzee, and cards – Pinochle, Spite and Malice. Spending happy hours at a casino with her sister Nancy – filled with laughter and the thrill of trying to hit the jackpot.
Jessie was a proud member of Alaska Native Sisterhood and belonged to Shee Atika Corporation, Sealaska Corporation and Haida Corporation.
She is survived by her children, Alfred (Sher) Carlson of Sequim, Washington, A. Marilee (Allen) Carlson of Sitka, Terry (Kerri) Carlson of Tacoma, Washington, Cathy Carlson of Wrangell, and Emma Boord of Juneau.
Her grandchildren are Jason Thom-Carlson of Coos Bay, Oregon, Tally Carlson of Hydaburg, J.D. Aldrich and Heidi Aldrich of Sequim; Tanner Boggs of California, Zach (Jenny) Carlson of Sitka, Tyler (Jill) Carlson of Sequim, Alexa (Jacob) Prosser of Wasilla, Kari (Zack) Spain of Sitka, Jade (Michael) Nodes of Sitka, Sarah Carlson of Rapid City, South Dakota, Jessica (Glenn) Coonradt of Sitka, Justin Osbakken of Ketchikan, Hunter Hatmaker of Sitka, Courtney Frank and Derek Boord of Juneau.
Her great-grandchildren are Natalie, Natasha, Shawn, Gavin and Theodore Carlson; Tyrone and Marc Carlson; Cedric, Charlotte and Curtis Gaube; Helena and Jeni Allencastre, Gavin Aldrich, Emma and Aubri Miller; Lily Carlson, Wesley, Benjamin and Olivia Carlson; Aiden, Eleanor, Ruby and Hazel Prosser; Coralynn Carlson, Kailanna and Ryker Truman; Liam Nodes; and Eric (Danielle) Ashley and Chandler Coonradt.
Her great-great grandchildren are  Ikaika Allencastre, Maverick, Waylon and Calvin Coonradt.
Jessie also is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, as well as her “sisters” Elizabeth and Arlene Carle and Judy Helgesen.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Edward and Leona Hamilton; husband Charles Carlson;  children Charlene, August, Carol, Vicky, Eleanor and Charlie Jr. Carlson; and grandchildren Reece Carlson, Eric E. Coonradt and Terry Carlson Jr.
Siblings who predeceased her were Francis Brown, Willa Young, Barbara Leask, Evelyn Hill, Nancy Phillips, William Hamilton, Jonathan Hamilton and Edward Hamilton, and good friends Edie Mork and Eleanor Booth.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date; the family looks forward to gathering to reminisce and share stories of their beloved Jessie.

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