Eileen Carlson

Carlson, Eileen "Bit" MADISON - Eileen "Bit" Carlson, age 72, of Madison, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Eileen was born at Madison General Hospital on Sept. 3, 1934, to Sam and Elna McGaw and was the youngest of five children. She graduated from Madison West High School in 1952. Eileen married the love of her life, Frederick Carlson, on Jan. 15, 1972. She was a dedicated member of St. Raphaels Catholic Church, Madison. Eileen most recently worked at St. Marys Hospital in Madison, where she made many friends. She had an avid interest in watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports. Eileen also charmed the many guests in her home with a deep sense of caring and love. She loved camping with her family and friends, gardening, playing horseshoes and her trips to Colorado. Eileen put her whole heart and unbelievable love into everything she did. She inspired and warmed the hearts of so many with her display of affection and love during her lifetime. Eileen always cherished family and friends, whom she always put first and foremost in her life. She treasured her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the time she spent with them. Eileen is survived by her loving husband, Frederick Carlson; their two children, Steve (Meg) Carlson and Scott (Erica) Carlson, both of Evansville; and Freds daughter, Dana (Butch) Seivert of Iowa. She is further survived by her first husband, Royce Rogers of Oregon; their five children, Randy (Jeanne) Rogers of Fitchburg, Ronnie (Debbie) Rogers of Oregon, Rick (Cheryl) Rogers of Oregon, Bud (Lisa) Rogers of Belleville and Rusty (Angie) Rogers of Arlington; and a sister, Mary Dreher of Michigan. Eileen was the very proud and loving grandmother of 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Elna McGaw; brothers, Stan, Ken and Don McGaw; two special nieces, JoAnne Mary McGaw and Jane (McGaw) La Valley; and a grandson, Don Nichols. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007, with Monsignor Douglas Duschack presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, Fitchburg. The family wishes to extend their love and gratitude to all of the wonderful staff at HospiceCare, who cared for Eileen during her passing. Eileen touched the lives of everyone who knew her and will always be remembered for her generous nature and incredibly loving heart. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, neighbors, caregivers and all who were so fortunate to have received the radiance of her affection. "I love you bushels and bushels." Gunderson Oregon Funeral and Cremation Centers 431 Soden Drive (608) 835-3515 www.gundersonfh.com