Worcester—Clara D. (Peterson) Carlson, 94, of 28 Mayflower Circle, died Wednesday, November 17, 2004, in the Saint Francis Home after a short illness. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Axel Carlson; a daughter, Virginia Carlson of Holden; a sister, Edna Lundin of Worcester; a sister-in-law, Elaine Matthews of Cape Cod; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by 2 brothers, Kenneth and Clifford, and 6 sisters, Gertrude Mard, Anne Westlund, Esther Christensen, Bertha Kenney, Agnes Donahue, and Ethel Ammon.
Clara was born in Worcester, daughter of Carl and Hilda (Anderson) Peterson. She graduated from Classical High School and worked as a dental assistant and later in the business office of Hahnemann Hospital, from which she retired. Clara was a member of the Hahnemann Hospital Retirees Association and was a volunteer at both Hahnemann and Memorial Hospitals for more than 25 years. She was a member of the Stella Chapter #3OES, a charter member of the Stellaretts, and was a former member and past secretary of the Nerieds. She was a former member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday Church School and sang in the choir. Clara has been a member of the Zion Lutheran Church for 58 years, and was a member of the Altar Guild for more than 40 years. She taught Sunday Church School and Vacation Church School when her daughter was a child.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 20, in Zion Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Memorial Fund at Zion Lutheran Church, 41 Whitmarsh Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606. Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street is directing arrangements.