Marie Ann Karlson died on October 20 at the age of 80 years, 10 months and 15 days. Marie was born in Minneapolis, MN to parents Hazel Fallstrom LaValley and Charles LaValley, and joined three years later by a younger sister, Vicki. From age four to 12, Marie lived in St. Louis, before returning again to Minneapolis where she attended St. Louis Park High School, captaining a basketball team that became known as “the Lilies of LaValley”.
While obtaining a teaching degree from the University of Minnesota, she met the love of her life, William John Karlson, marrying in 1959. Thereafter, Marie dedicated herself to a career of nurturing the many fortunate children that found themselves her students, pausing only to raise to school age her own lucky children. Guided by Bill’s career during this pause, the family moved to Kwajalein Island, RMI, for three years, having her second child there, before accepting opportunities in Huntsville in 1970 where Marie restarted her teaching career at West Mastin Lake Elementary and dedicated herself to Huntsville’s children there for 22 years until her retirement in 1997. In retirement, she delved into genealogy, helping many discover their family histories, and took an active role in the Society of Mayflower Descendants, serving as local director for a time. She had numerous hobbies throughout her life at which she was excellent; including sewing, cross stitching, and Sudoku.
Marie blessed everyone she knew and touched and improved so many lives. Cheerful and positive, she was a bright and loving light to all who knew her. Marie was preceded in death by her father (1987), mother (2011), and sister (2017), and she was 1/2 of the most beautiful, patient, and loving of marriages until Bill’s passing in August 2018. She will be greatly missed by her loving children; Keith Karlson and Karin Slayton, her son-in-law, Tracy Slayton; and the many wonderful extended family and friends she leaves behind, including hundreds of former students blessed by her generous care and loving guidance.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, October 28 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, with a brief memorial service immediately following.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
