Louise Carlson

Louise Duke Carlson of Okemos, MI passed away on Friday September 22, 2023. She was born March 10, 1935 in Tampa, Florida, to Anne Louise Duke (Brooks) and Leland Vincent Duke. She received her bachelor's from Hollins College in Virginia and her master's degree from the University of Kentucky.

Louise met her husband, Edward Hill Carlson of Lansing, MI, in Baltimore, MD, and they were married in the Hollins Chapel on August 20, 1960. They moved to East Lansing, MI, in 1965 and then moved to Okemos, Michigan in 1970. Louise was a clinical psychologist. She enjoyed a long career as a school psychologist for Clinton County ISD and was the president of her bargaining unit at the MEA. Louise was elected Park Commissioner for Meridian Township in December 1974. She was instrumental in increasing the number of Meridian Township Parks and erecting the first farmers market pavilion still on the township grounds today.

Louise and her husband Edward have three children: Karen Leantha Sibilla of Ada, MI, husband Tim, Brian Walter Carlson of Rochester Hills, MI, and Melinda Anne Derby, husband Todd of Okemos, MI.

Louise loved her family and especially the grandchildren, of which she has nine: Mitchell Allen Sibilla, Bradley Edward Carlson, Bailey Amber Carlson, Brett Walter Carlson, Garrett James Cherry, Benjamin Todd Derby, and Anne Louise Derby; two preceded her in death, Burke Dale Carlson, and Emma Leantha Sibilla. Louise's brother also preceded her in death, John Vincent Duke of Port Charlotte, FL.

She loved to play bridge, lunch with former members of the Clinton County ISD, and go to the senior center. Louise leaves behind close friends whom she enjoyed spending time with and who loved to be with her as well. Most of all, she loved being with her family.

There will be an open house at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Chapel, 1730 East Grand River Ave in East Lansing, MI 48823, on Wednesday, October 4, from 1 pm-3 pm.

Louise is to be cremated, and her ashes split amongst the family.