I was lucky to have met Mel after I moved to Los Angeles, to the Palm Garden Apts.  Her friendly, welcoming and helpful nature led to us becoming close, good friends.  Being neighbors we spent a lot of time together talking, going out shopping and lunch or dinner on the weekends.  I will always remember how helpful she was when I decided to move overseas and was frantically trying to close up my place.    Once I moved to Australia we spoke often.  I don't think either of us realized how much we'd miss each other until then.  Her friendship and thoughtfulness made me feel loved even though we were miles apart. 

Mel, I will treasure the time I spent with you last year when I visited with you.  The talks we had, the little things we laughed about will be special.  After watching all those episodes of “criminal minds” with you, since then every time I sit down to watch it I remember doing so with you.  But now when I do, I'll miss you.  I miss your calls and our chats … most of all I miss you, your friendship and your loving ways.

I will miss my dear friend Mel. She was kind-hearted, loving, and she had a great sense of humor.

I have such fond memories of Mel and her helpful spirit, Mel was one of the strongest, independant women I ever met and was not afraid to express herself and her opinions about most anything she always made you stop and think about being brave and honest....Mel always had time to talk if you needed her advice and experience! She loved her family with all her heart..Mel will be missed so much and Palm Gardens will not be the same without her..We love you Mel..
Nancy Pecot

"We are going to miss the baked goodies that you bring for all the starving nurses in Pre-op from St. John's."

Mel was such a special friend.  We enjoyed lunch together every Tuesday and Thursday.  We became best friends and began going out for lunch on the weekends trying many different places together.  I live alone and because she did also, this was so special.  We really had a lot to talk about.  I was able to visit Mel daily during her stay at St John's and prayed for her and with her often.  I will forever miss her.

Dear Mel, She has helped the Pre op girls for many years.  She was a joy to have around and we have had many years of laughter with her.
Mel will be greatly missed.  She shared in all of lives.
Much love to her family.  Patty

Mel was a delightful and lovely lady with a great sense of humor. I always enjoyed talking with her.  She loved her family deeply. She was a very independant woman. She always wanted to make sure she was doing the right thing and saying "I never want to be a bother".  She was one of the most organized and helpful persons I have met and helped Saint Johns so much.She would often call me and say "I am here early, is there something you want me to do?" Knowing Mel, I am sure she has already talked to God and is doing something to make even heaven a better place.  I will miss her very much!  Judy

Although I didn't work directly with your mother, any RANDite of "our era" knew that "Mel" ran a tight ship and you didn't mess with Mel.  And yet she was a barrel of laughs with her sharp wit...she could dish it out as well as anyone.  She was a memorable spirit and we all benefited from it.

I was very sad to learn of Mel's passing. She was not only a supportive colleague at work, but also a helpful, friendly neighbor for many years.  Mel will be sorely missed by me and my wife.

Your mother Mel had such a good heart. She is always in my heart.

Dear Family,

I have many good memories of Mel ... our friendship developed when she worked for Rand and I worked for Premier America CU.  She was a caring, sensitive person.  Your loss is shared by many and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you.

"Mother Mel" will always be in my heart...

I had the pleasure of working with Mel for a number of years before she retired. She was a wonderful person with a great spirit about her. I missed her after she retired and now I will miss her even more.

Mel kept the RAND troops in line for many years, another solider spirit moves on to our heavenly Father.

Dear Mel--that's how I always thought of her.  She was dear in so many ways--always cheerful and always helpful.  I'm glad we worked together at RAND and I had the opportunity to know her.

I worked with Mel for many years when I first came to RAND.  She was always gracious and helpful and while I was happy for her when she retired, I knew it would leave a whole in the department.

Your mother Amelia, Mel to her RAND family, was a caring, funny and down to earth friend.  Many times she knocked me off my high horse with down to earth reasoning.  She made sense out of the chaos that was RAND.  She will be missed by her RAND family.

Our sympathies go out to her family.

Virgil and Vesta Budhu

Mel became a dear friend of mine during the time we shared together at Saint John's. I fondly remember how you welcomed me after I began in Radiology and will treasure the memories I have of our wonderful talks. You will be missed.

Kathie Lucas
Saint John's Health Center

Mel Carlson (Mother Mel), was a good friend. She was always happy to see everyone. I enjoyed being around her. She's the only person I knew with a huge plumeria tree on her patio that she grew from a stick and a pet possum. We had fun going to orchid shows and spending lunch times talking.  May Mel's orchids grow even better in heaven.  I'll certainly miss her.

I just spoke to your mother a few months back and she told me that she was having physical problems.  She was a volunteer at St. John's Hospital and helped me when my mother had surgery.  It was a comfort to me that she was there.  She was always friendly and smiling and also very caring.  I will miss her very much.  My sincerest sympathies to you and yours.  Laurie Rennie

Your Mother Mel had such a wonderful spirit.  We worked together for years when it was know as Computing (smile).I enjoyed our talks and life lessons she shared. A True GEM, Rest in peace my friend Mel.

Diana Spencer
RAND Co-worker

I will forever hold the conversations we had in my heart.  Her smile I will forever see.  Ms. Amelia I will truly miss you coming to the Credit Union each month.
To the family my prayers are with you during this time of bereavement.
Cydney Welch

I got to know Mel in my early years at RAND, and she always brightened my days. Although we lost touch after she retired, I thought of her often, and always with a smile.  I saw her several times at St. John's and thought how lucky patients and families were who benefitted from her lovely sense of humor and her warm spirit.  I will miss her greatly.

Your mother, Mel, was one the best friends a person could ask for.  We worked together for many years as valued peers. After Mel's retirement we were able to maintain contact until this very day.  She will be missed terribly and remain in our hearts and minds forever.

Mel, thank you for being Mel.

Dick & Dee Harmon

OBITUARY

Amelia Carlson

February 15, 1929 – July 23, 2012

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