Obituary of Bertha Karllo Carlson

Bertha Karllo Carlson, 94, passed away on Thursday December 21, 2017.  She was born on October 28, 1923 in Monongahela PA to Michael and Helen Karllo.  Bertha was preceded in death by her husband Linus “Carl” Carlson in 2016, both parents, four sisters, two brothers and a niece.

She is survived by her children Karen Carlson of Tucson AZ, Paul and Sharon Carlson, Shannon Carlson and grandson Quinn Passon of Lake Oswego, OR, Peter and Eileen and Sean Ryan Carlson of Washington, DC, Marti (Martha) and Tom, Caroline, Logan Shamberger & Tessa Maynard of Morgantown, WV, Philip Carlson of Tiburon, CA. and her sister Vilma Klein of Seattle WA and many nieces and nephews.

Bertha graduated as a Registered Nurse from McKeesport Hospital in McKeesport, PA. She later completed a Board of Regents Bachelor of Arts from WV State University.

Returning to Ann Arbor MI after serving in World War II to complete his degree, Carl met Bertha who was working as a nurse at University hospital. They married on Sept 9, 1947. After graduation from U of Michigan, Carl was hired by the Union Carbide Corporation as a chemical engineer in Niagara Falls NY.  In 1951 they were transferred to So. Charleston WV. They made their home in St. Albans for 30 years. Bertha was a homemaker, but continued her nursing career part time in many settings. She also worked with senior citizen health and wellness programs around the state. 

Bertha was an active member of St Francis of Assisi parish. She was always interested in civic events and enjoyed volunteering to help her community. She served as the President of the St. Alban’s Women’s Club.  She also worked as a register recorder in local, state and Federal elections and in the Federal census.  She enjoyed cooking and turned that pleasure toward aiding local food pantries, soup kitchens and the parish school where her hotdog chili was a favorite.

Upon Carl’s retirement from Union Carbide the couple relocated to Ocala, Florida, for the next 26 years. There they enjoyed an active life of golf, travel, Elderhostels and volunteerism.  Habitat for Humanity, Queen of Peace Parish soup kitchen and resale shop all benefited greatly from the couple's interest. Always an avid reader, Bertha also started a Grandparents' group to tutor reading and math in local elementary schools. This program has continued since 1992. Through the years Bertha and Carl also faithfully supported St Bonaventure School in Thoreau, New Mexico.

In October 2011 Bertha and Carl moved to the Suites at the Village at Heritage Point in Morgantown, WV.  Each deeply appreciated the care, companionship and great food there.

Bertha’s wishes of cremation are under the care of Hastings Funeral Home. A private memorial service will be held at later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to St. Francis School, 525 Holley Street, St. Albans, West Virginia 25177.

The family wishes to thank the Suites staff at the Village at Heritage Point in Morgantown, West Virginia where both parents lived comfortably for the last 6 years.  We are especially appreciative of their caregivers Rosemarie Destefano and Lydia Shriver.

Online condolences may be made at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com. 

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