Marie Evelyn Carlson, nee Ross, age 80, a resident of Northbrook for 50 years, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 20, peacefully at home surrounded by her family.  She was born July 16, 1935 in Chicago to R. George and Dagney Ross.

Marie attended Mozart Public School in Chicago and graduated from Kelvyn Park High School.  While attending Midwest Bible Church she met the love of her life, Walter (Wally) Carlson and they were married on July 20, 1954.  They raised their three children in Wheeling and later moved to Northbrook.

With a good friend she started North Country Imports, selling Scandinavian gift items.  Later she went to work for many years as the Human Resources director at Lydia Home Association an organization that helped kids from dysfunctional or no families which would care for them. Marie always had a desire for a healthy lifestyle and after hard work became a Senior Director for Shaklee Corporation for more than thirty years to present day.

Her faith was an important part of her life, she was an active member of Glenview Evangelical Free Church (now Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church) where she served in Women's Ministry, started the Prayer Shawl ministry and served in many other ways involved in the ministries and mission projects serving alongside Wally to South America and India.

She was an excellent baker, enjoyed knitting and traveling with her husband, family and friends.

Marie was an outgoing and active person, who loved being with people and was always put others first before her. She loved her partner for life Wally and her kids and grandson. She always wanted the best for them. Never did Marie show up at a function without one of her delicious bake goods.

She is survived by her husband, Walter Carlson, three children, Mark Walter (Holly) Carlson of Northbrook, Dean Allan (Bob Hunt) Carlson of Palm Springs, CA and Karen Marie Carlson of Mundelein, grandson, Ross Andrew, and many nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother George Ross.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 24, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church, 2 Shermer Road, Glenview, IL 60025, where a funeral service will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Cornerstone Church or Lydia Home Association .