Violet May Carlson, 89

Violet May Carlson, 89, of Columbia Falls, passed away on April 15, 2010. She was born April 14, 1921, in Ogema, Minn., to Raymond and Emma LaValley. On April 13, 1941, she married James C. Carlson in Pelican Rapids, Minn. Mom was a lifetime member of Daughters of the Nile, Sapphira Temple No. 79 and Order of the Eastern Star, Vista Chapter No. 44. Mom will be especially remembered for Living her way ... She was fearless when it came to trying something new... there wasn t anything she couldn t do, and do well... Her mind gave way to an incredible imagination and her hands were her instruments to carry out her artistry. She was an accomplished seamstress and worked many years as the costume designer for the Whitefish Theater Company. She raised money for various organizations by sharing her collection of antique clothing and accessories, taking people back in time with vintage fashion shows. She was a gifted musician. She was a notable antique collector, appraiser and dealer. In her lifetime she worked as a dental hygienist, tax preparer, waitress, cashier, volunteer and homemaker. As she stated many times, I grow old learning something new every day. Survivors include a brother, William LaValley, and sister-in-law, Theresa, of Columbia Falls; brother, Thomas LaValley, and sister-in-law, Dixie, of Columbia Falls; brother-in-law, Paul Hillestad, of Newport, Wash.; son, Thomas Carlson, and his wife, Claudia, of Lake Oswego, Ore.; daughter, Rae McMaster, of Kalispell; son, Vernon Carlson, of Williston, N.D.; daughter, Paula Robinson, and her husband, Richard, of Columbia Falls.; grandchildren, Suzanne Carlson, Scott and Laurie Gordon, Kevin and Heather McMaster, Dave and Angela LeFebvre, Erin Carlson and Steven Robinson, Michael Robinson, Jeremy and Mary Kellogg; great-grandchildren, Tasja and Adrian McMaster, and William Blake; and many nieces and nephews. Mom was preceded in death by her father and mother, Raymond and Emma LaValley; her husband, James C. Carlson; her sister, Betty Hillestad; her son-in-law, Frank McMaster; and grandsons; Carey and Ian McMaster. A memorial service will be held in July when family and friends can gather in celebration of her life. If love could have saved you mom, you would have lived forever... Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.