Constance Carlson

Constance "Connie" Wilda Wright Carlson, 77, of New Sweden, Idaho, passed away June 16, 2008, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of pneumonia. Connie was born September 3, 1930, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Joseph Conrad Wright and Leona Simmons Wright. She grew up and attended schools in Idaho Falls and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1949. She then lived in Riverside, California, and Wilson and Afton, Wyoming. Upon her marriage to Marvin Vernal Carlson on November 10, 1949, in Elko, Nevada, they moved to Idaho Falls, where she lived the rest of her life. Connie was a homemaker, mother, and farm wife. She and Marvin welcomed the births of their six children, Dennis (October 16, 1950), Dave (February 15, 1952), Roger (January 24, 1954), Gary (December 16, 1955), Brad (January 8, 1958), and Cindy (March 6, 1962), and raised them on the family farm in New Sweden. Connie also helped out as bookkeeper at New Sweden Produce, where her husband was a co-owner. Marvin passed away June 12, 2002. Connie attended the Shiloh Foursquare Church. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, and listening to Christian Music. She loved her Bible studies and reading the Bible. Survivors include: Son: Dennis (Dani) Carlson, Boise, ID Son: Dave (Nancy) Carlson, Boise, ID Son: Roger (Teresa) Carlson, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Gary Carlson, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Brad (Jeri Lynn) Carlson, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Cindy Greene, Gig Harbor, WA Stepsister: Marian Bendixsen, Cary, NC 12 Grandchildren, Toby, Nick, Kari, Kristin, Mike, Monica, Jared (deceased), Ryan, Jascen, Daniel, Rochelle, and Jacob; 9 Great Grandchildren, Samantha, Trinity, Grace, Halle, Bella, Kylee, Emily, Keegan, and Hailie. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Yvonne Burke and Bonnie Landon, and a grandson, Jared Carlson. Connie was a gentle warrior, whose Christian beliefs gave her an inner strength and the ability to say more without words than most. When she did speak, she did so with much grace. She found great strength with her family, particularly with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her recipes for the family’s favorites dishes were hidden in her mind, not to be shared with just anyone. She was a great cook, which helped a lot with so many children and grandchildren around. Connie started each day with prayer and a joyous melody to her Lord. She lived each day with a smile and a sweet spirit. Connie loved her dog, Boo. He was a friend, a companion, and her defender during the final years of her life. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008, at the First Presbyterian Church, 325 Elm Street, with Reverend Dr. Dennis Falasco officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, and Saturday from 12:15 p.m. until time of services, at the church.. The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Krell, Dr. Carter, Dr. Whatmore, and the ICU staff at EIRMC for the kindness and excellent care they showed our mother. Connie will be missed greatly by her friends and family.