Nancy Ann Carlson (née Samuels)

Passed away January 2, 2026, at the age of 97.

Nancy was born May 11, 1928, in St. Paul to Paul and Effie Samuels.  She graduated from St. Paul Central High School in 1946 and attended the University of Minnesota where she was a member of Chi Omega.  After working a summer at Yellowstone Park Lodge, Nancy returned to St. Paul and married Robert H. Carlson in 1949.

She stayed busy raising four children, and she liked to cook and entertain.  She took cooking classes to introduce new foods to her family and friends.  Her Sunday dinners were an opportunity to enjoy the children and grandchildren.  Especially anticipated were her Christmas eve celebrations with dozens of unique cookies sparkling on her cookie tray.

Nancy and Bob loved having their children, grandchildren and dogs spend time each summer at their home on Lake Johanna.  In winter, she and Bob joined many other Minnesota friends on Sanibel Island, Florida and looked forward to visits by family members for more than 30 years.

Nancy was an active volunteer, dedicating time to Friends of Roseville Parks, St. Paul Ramsey Hospital, Children’s Hospital Association, and Falcon Heights United Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by Bob, her husband of 66 years, her brother Paul Samuels, and grandson Lorin Robert Shipps.

Survived by her four children; Teri Shipps (Stephen); Robert Carlson Jr. (Gregg Larson); David Carlson (Lisa); Bruce Carlson (Kathryn Didier); nine grandchildren: Lindsay Haake (Dan); Grant Carlson (Sarah Lagerstedt); Taylor Sajous (Andy); Blake Carlson; Brent Carlson (Natalie); Wade Carlson (Kelli); Brady Carlson (Jessica); Kelly Dahl (Ben); Zac Hansen; and 13 great-grandchildren.

A private service and internment will be held.  Memorials can be made to: ComoFriends.org