Shirley A. Carlson, age 79, a longtime resident of Wheaton, died at home on Wednesday, March 4, 2009. She was born on August 21, 1929 in Chicago to Walter and Grace Clouston.

Shirley moved to Wheaton when she was 10 years old. She graduated from Wheaton High School. On March 12, 1955 she married Richard Carlson, owner of Carlson's Paint and Glass and who was active in DuPage County politics.

She enjoyed volunteering in her community as a Scout Leader, PTA Officer, and at Central Du Page Hospital. She was a member of the Department Club, Gad-a-bouts, and the High School Class of '47 Reunion Committee. Many students shared her passion for ceramics through classes she taught in her home. She traveled extensively, visiting 19 Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, Australia, and Europe. In recent years, she and her companion, Dr. Jack Oberhelman, traveled to South America and Ireland.

She is survived by two children, Allen (Karen) Carlson of Wheaton and Linda Carlson (Ted) Witte of Wheaton, two grandchildren, Kirstyn and Erik Carlson, her 106 year old mother, Grace Clouston, and her sister, Betty (Jack) Greer of AZ, and her companion, Dr. Jack Oberhelman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard A. Carlson, and her father Walter Clouston.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.

Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Wheaton Center for History, P.O. Box 373, Wheaton, Illinois 60187-0373 or CNS Hospice, 690 E. North Ave., Carol Stream, IL 60188.

Information and guest book is available at hultgrenfh.com or call 630-668-0027.