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Joan Cecelia (Falvey) Carlson was born at home in Knox, Indiana on June 21, 1923 to James P. and Gertrude Falvey, and died at home in Constantine, on February 13, 2021. Joan grew up in a wonderful household in Knox with siblings Bill, Jean, Kenny, Jan, Joyce and Tom (with another sister, Margaret, dying in infancy).
Joan had a life-long passion for poetry and songs, and as a young girl learned many 19th century songs and poetry from an old neighbor. “Aunt” Mary Byers, which she enjoyed singing and reciting until very recently. Academically, Joan had several limericks published in the Chicago Tribune while attending Knox High School, excelled in mathematics, placing third overall in the 1941 Indiana State Mathematics Competition, and loved fashion design. In addition, Joan played clarinet in the school band, acted in high school plays, and was a Knox High School basketball Varsity Cheer Leader (with her best friend, Frances Wagner) all four years of high school.
After high school until the outbreak of World War II, Joan attended Business School in Indianapolis and worked as a secretary for a Knox lawyer. Joan wanted to join the Women’s Army Corp. (WACs) to support the War effort, but her brother Kenny wanted Joan to stay home and work in the family store (James P. Falvey Company), as Buyer of women’s and girl’s clothing.
Kenny was also concerned that if Joan left Knox, she might not marry the handsome, kind and accomplished Swede (Wilbert “Web” Carlson, a Captain in the US Army Air Corps Meteorology Division) when the war was over. Joan had met Web in second grade in Knox, and their first date took place in 1938 when they went to a movie and then shared a milkshake at the soda fountain. Thankfully, Joan chose to work in the store through the War and did marry Web on May 24, 1946, in Knox.
Web and Joan raised their children to have high moral character, pursue advanced educational degrees, lead fulfilling lives, and to treat others with kindness and respect. Joan took pride that all her children were college graduates. Joan was an elegant mother, who made a point of passing her good manners on to her children. Many happy family memories were made at dinners at the big kitchen table, with settings for 11 squeezed in, and no one touching their silverware until Joan signaled. While primarily focused on raising her family, Joan was an active Constantine Schools booster, Cub Scout Leader, Girl Scout Leader, St Joseph Church Altar Society Member, past President of the Garden Club, and enjoyed working in downtown Constantine for J & K Floral and the Country Cupboard and loved making floral arrangements. Joan was also an expert bridge player, playing in clubs in Constantine with Web and her dear friends for decades. With their children grown, Web and Joan enjoyed a regular travel schedule including all 50 States and 6 continents to see their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and to otherwise explore. Surviving Joan are her children, Bill (Charlotte) Carlson of Rochester Hills, MI, Jim (Christine) Carlson of Three Rivers, Jan (Al) Spinell of Avon, CT, Joyce (Mark) Friedman of Upper Montclair, NJ, Dan Carlson of Grand Rapids, Jeanne (Herb) Hendry of Okemos, Tom (Jenny) Carlson of Berkeley, CA, Tim (Natsuko) Carlson of Seattle, Joe (Liesel) Carlson of East Lansing, seventeen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Joan was predeceased by her parents, all her siblings, and by Web in 2011. After Web’s passing, Joan maintained her grace, optimism and life drive, enjoying countless hours singing, reciting poetry and through last Summer, working in her garden. Joan was blessed with being able to remain at home on Canaris Street for the duration, supported primarily by the loving care of her son Dan, the devoted and amazing caregiver Sara Shaffer, dear friend Jo Fuller, and other family members. Joan’s long and well-lived life makes her passing a bit easier for her children, with full memories of her love and greatness softening her loss. As Joan wrote in Spring 2014:
“If you seek peace of mind and a heart that never hardens, just find a gate that opens into a lovely garden”.
Due to COVID-19, services will be held later this summer. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Kindred Hospice of Portage Kindred at Home Foundation (etapestry.com), Carlson Constantine Education Fund c/o Constantine Area Community Foundation at http://www.sturgisfoundation.org/affiliate_constantine.php, or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.eleyfuneralhomes.com to sign Joan’s online guest book and to leave a message for the family.
