Carla S. Kelson

Carla Kelson, nee Lipson, 78. Beloved wife for 55 years of Allen; devoted mother of David Kelson and Melina (Peter Podolsky) Kelson; proud grandmother of Juliet Kelson, Madeleine Kelson, Jordan Podolsky, Shane Kelson, and Dylan Podolsky; dear sister of the late Donna Lipson; loving sister-in-law of Eddie (Lorel) Kelson and Susan (Larry) Storck; caring aunt of Lisa (Tom) Kermgard, Daniel (Rachel Powers) Kelson, Marnie (Greg) Pedersen, Paul (Heather Nunn) Storck, and Kerri Storck; cherished friend to Bonnie Levin and Meme Hopmayer; and deeply missed by daughter-in-law Jennifer Diamond.

Carla’s professional life began teaching Spanish and art in a Chicago high school. After motherhood kept her homebound, she created and operated a graphic arts firm that helped produce Chicago magazine. She wrote restaurant reviews with her husband Allen, which became the magazine’s most-read feature. Carla became Dining Editor, supervising a staff of critics and giving weekly phone-in dining advice on WGN radio.

Known for preparing sumptuous meals, detailed party planning, and a love of animals, Carla put others’ needs before her own. She traveled to 26 countries, soaking up their cuisines, lifestyles, arts, and history. She was a lover of creative expression throughout her life.

That led to her creating the Chicago Fund on Aging and Disability’s Celebrity Chefs Brunches, which helped fund the city’s Meals on Wheels operations.

A celebration of her life by family and friends takes place Monday, August 2 at 3 PM at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette. A reception will follow at the funeral home. You are welcome to join us physically or by Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89959354034?pwd=T2hic3MrR0dvM3ovUW1NaGRTTGxXQT09

Meeting ID: 899 5935 4034

Passcode: 641214

Instead of flowers, Carla would have preferred memorial contributions to NARAL Pro-Choice America, www.prochoiceamerica.org, or UNICEF, www.unicefusa.org.