Shirley B. Abraham, 86

Shirley Beverly Carlson was born Sept. 20, 1934, in Rocklake, North Dakota, to Florence (Hogenson) and Anton Carlson. Her father was an immigrant from Norway and she was fiercely proud of her 100% Norwegian heritage. Her childhood was overshadowed by the loss of her mother and brother. She was not yet 4 years old when her mother died suddenly. She remembers many times as a very young child walking to the cemetery at the edge of town to visit her mother’s grave, just to be near her.

At the age of 16 she left school and married. This union would last seven years during which time she bore three children, Cindy, Linda Terry. At the age of 25 she married again. This marriage ended after 59 years. Her youngest son Rory was a result of this union. She lived in eight different states and started and ran a number of successful businesses. These included a laundromat, several motels, gas station and tree farms. She set an example of hard work for her family. Her attention to detail was legendary, and carried over into her hobbies of sewing and quilting.

Her family is what she was most proud of. Her happiest times were spent with her grandchildren. She took them on long walks up and down the steep hills behind her Lakeside home. From her they received the love of the outdoors.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Anton Carlson, brother Dwaine Carlson, sisters Minnie Fosaaen and Edie Erickson, son Rory Abraham, and great-grandson George P. Brown.

She is survived by her children, Cindy Guthrie of Lolo, Linda (Dan) Martin of Big Timber, and Terry Price (Renee) of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Matt Brenna, Mandy Brenna, Meghan Brenna, Katie Brenna, Justin Brown, Andy Brown, Lucas Lee, Emelia Wolf, Anderson Wolf and Otto Wolf; as well as eight great-grandchildren.

She left this world Oct. 3, 2020, after a valiant struggle with cancer. Visitation for Shirley was held Oct. 7 at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held today, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.