EULALIA “LOU” CARLSON

June 23, 1919 – April 13, 2019

With love, we announce the passing of Eulalia (Jaeb) Carlson, mother of Rhonda (Carlson) Day, mother-in-law to Richard Day, and grandmother to Mariel and Chayla Day, all of Edmonton, Alberta.

Fifth of the 13 children of Alois and Frances Jaeb, Lou was born and raised in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. She moved as a young adult to Lethbridge, Alberta, where she married Henry Carlson, settling permanently with her young family in Medicine Hat in late 1953.

Lou was fortunate that one of her sisters, Merle Arnold, also moved to Medicine Hat, where Merle still lives. Merle, with her husband, Joe Arnold, and children Dan, Reenie, Cheryl, and Vern Arnold, was a great comfort to Lou.

Lou read voraciously and was well educated, especially in the areas of nutrition, politics, and environmental protection. Lou’s archives include responses to her letters from heads of state and environmentalists, including Pierre Trudeau and David Suzuki. In a letter Lou wrote in 1993 to then Prime Minister Jean Crétien, she urged the PM to do all he could to enact legislation that would protect the environment.

The Medicine Hat News published dozens of Lou’s letters to the editor. As well, Lou’s poems and stories appeared in a variety of publications.

Lou gardened and sewed most of her life. She was one of the first costume designers for Hatterland Children’s Theatre, canvassed for a number of charities, and earned a bowling trophy or two, not to mention a reputation as a formidable bridge and whist player.

As a secretary, Lou worked for South Rock, National Porcelain, lawyer and judge E.W.N. “Skip” Macdonald, and, for one week while he was in town, Roloff Beny.

In addition to teaching Sunday school at Fifth Avenue United Church in Medicine Hat and belonging to the Pythian Sisters, Lou belonged to the Rosicrucian Order (AMORC) for over 70 years. The deep, underlying principles of life she learned there provided Lou with the spiritual principles that guided her throughout her life and enriched the lives of those around her.

Though Lou worked hard from an early age to maintain her health with exercise, healthy food, and supplements, she was blessed to have a number of angels along the way. In addition to Merle, Peggy Arnold, Lou’s niece through marriage, played an instrumental role in Lou’s health and welfare, especially in Lou’s final years. Sharlene Lesko, Lou’s former Home Care nurse, also supported Lou’s well-being right to the end. Lou’s longevity is due to these devoted women.

The family is also deeply grateful to the the staff of Cypress View (Teeoda and Sunrise Vista wings) and St. Joseph’s Hospice in Medicine Hat, as well as Capital Care Lynnwood in Edmonton, all of whom provided loving comfort to Lou over the past nine years. A mother could not ask for better care.

Lou lived her life with integrity, courage and fortitude. She blessed many and was blessed by many. We will miss her always, though she is always with us.

Cremation and private family celebrations have taken place. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://gonebutnotforgotten.ca