Maryann Carlson

Mary Ann was an intelligent, loving, and active woman who raised her family alongside her husband of 62 years, James, in Runnemede, New Jersey. She was a most loving mother to her three children, James, Timothy, and Laura. Born in Philadelphia, she grew up in south Jersey and graduated from Camden Catholic High School and Camden County College. In the late 60s and early 70s she was an Avon Lady, and at one point was among the nation’s top sales representatives. She later worked as the Assistant to the Office Manager at Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G), a New Jersey utility. While at PSE&G she won their Volunteer of the Year Award two years in a row, securing $10,000 a year for two years from PSE&G for the operation of the Cathedral Soup Kitchen, in Camden, New Jersey.

A devout Catholic and prayerful woman, her main calling in life aside from her family was helping the less fortunate. She served on the Board of Directors of the Cathedral Soup Kitchen for several years, securing grant money and serving the less fortunate with food and clothing. Shortly after her retirement in 2000, she and her husband moved to Pompano Beach, Florida, where she became very active in, and served as President of, the St Vincent DePaul Society at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, again helping the less fortunate with food, clothing, housing, and financial support.

She was a talented bowler and was featured with her husband on televised bowling tournaments numerous times in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. She also enjoyed playing tennis and softball, and loved to travel, with her husband Jim.

Mary Ann would like to be remembered as “someone who loved her husband and children with all her heart. She tried to find good in everyone she came in contact with, and she had a heart for the poor.”

Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, James T. Carlson, her sister Sharon, her son James D. Carlson and his wife Denise, and her daughter Laura Carlson. She was predeceased by her son Timothy, and sister Emily (“Penny”) Cuneo. Grandmother to Jaimie Carlson, John Carlson, Luke Pearce, and James Pearce. Her loving, kind, and gentle way, her compassion, and her energy served as an inspiration to those around her. She is sadly and profoundly missed.

A memorial service will be held on Friday August 23rd, 2024 at 11am at St Gabriel Catholic Church in Pompano Beach. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to St. Vincent DePaul Society, c/o St Gabriel Catholic Church 731 N. Ocean Blvd Pompano Beach, FL 33062.