GLOUCESTER: Patricia Aresa (Ryan) Carlson, 82, passed away on January 2, 2011, after a brief battle with cancer.
Born in Gloucester on March 17, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Patrick Russell Ryan and Mildred Barbara (Thompson) D’Antonio.
Pat was born on St. Patrick’s Day, which she held dear to her heart; proud of her Irish heritage and sparkling green eyes. Pat was an A student in high school and was the recipient of a Sawyer Medal award. She continued her love of learning throughout her life as an avid reader.
Pat worked hard raising her family of six, was an excellent cook, known for her delicious apple pies, and a patient mother and grandmother. She spent her summers at the beach, often with grandchildren in tow. She was their collective babysitter and, for years, her most important job was reading stories, doing puzzles and rubbing little feet.
More than anything, she was a lover of life - happy each day to feel the sun and hear the birds.
She is survived by her six beloved children, Charles Martell, Pamela Martell, Michael Carlson and his wife Christine, Beth and her husband Michael Horne, Christopher Carlson and his wife Andrea, and Tracy and her husband Michael LeBrun; her grandchildren Alex, Jacqueline and Katherine Martell, Kilee (Martell) Bough, Cody and Leah Carlson, Heather and her husband Richard Fraelick and Brian Horne, Christopher, Caitlin and Ross Carlson, and her step-grandchildren Shawn and Zachary LeBrun; her great-grandchildren, Ian Martell and most recently born on December 10th, Karter Jace Bough. She also leaves her sister, Marilyn Quinn. She was predeceased by her sisters, Barbara Knowlton and Jeanne Oliver.
In lieu of services, a celebration of her life for family and friends will be held on the Saturday after St. Patrick’s Day, March 19th at a time and place to be announced. Donations may be made in her honor to Cape Ann Animal Aid, 260 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.