Mary Karlson

Dolores Schmidt Karlson passed to her eternal life on July 4, 2013. She was born November 22, 1909 in

Baltimore, Maryland. She was a lady of many gifts and talents. While living in Maryland, she sang as

Adam’s Ukulele Girl on radio when it was first invented. She was also a Vaudeville dancer. She and

her husband, Joseph Herman Karlson, left Maryland, in approximately 1935, headed for a new life in

Southern California. She worked in the war effort of World War II helping to spot enemy planes flying

over during the night. After the war, she worked in the retail business.

Approximately 40 years ago, she and Herman left California for a vacation in Florida. Due to a hurricane

threatening the Florida coast, they changed their plans and found themselves on Magnolia Beach. After

discovering wonderful fishing , they decided to retire there. Even though legally blind, since Herman’s

death in 1995, Mary has been able to live alone in her home with the help of friends, home health

nurses and aides, and Meals on Wheels drivers until February of this year. She had a very sharp mind, a

feisty personality, and a cute wit.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, John Edward and Catherine Anne Schimpf Schmidt, and her

husband, Herman Joseph Karlson. She and Herman sponsored Alf Hutfilter and Hans Schoedls, both of

California, to come to the US from Germany during World War II and considered them their sons. Left

to treasure her life and friendship, are many friends and acquaintances including Harry and Lillie

Schumacher, Rachael Salinas, Elizabeth Westbrook, Linda Meyer, Pat Hranicky, Kathy Dietzel, Elva Vela,

Helen Davis, her Magnolia Beach neighbors, and fellow parishioners at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic

Church in Port Lavaca, Texas. Special thanks go to Dr. Kishan Chand, Dr. S. Kathpalia, Clara Prater,

Barbara and Tamika at Just Like Home private care facility, and Harbor Hospice for their loving care of

Mary during her final days.

Funeral services will be Monday, July 8, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Port

Lavaca with Father James officiating. Burial will be at Greenlawn Gardens following the

service.

Pallbearers will be Richard Llanes, Harry Schumacher, Dee Harkey and Carl E. Westbrook.

In lieu of floral contributions, memorial contributions may go to Harbor Hospice at 2001 E.

Sabine #103, Victoria, Texas 77901.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.richardsoncolonial.com