Clair P. Carlson


Date of birth: 02/09/1937
Date of death: 01/27/2012
Visitation Hours: 3 pm to 6 pm Saturday February 4, 2012
Service Time: 5:30 pm Saturday at Fiore Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst
Cemetery:
Funeral Home: Oakhurst
Clair Carlson (nee Poust) age 74, passed away as the sun broke through the clouds January 27th, 2012 with her daughters Kim and Kelly and close friend Doris by her side. She was born February 9th , 1937 in Chicago, Illinois. Clair was the single child of the late Grace (Schober-Poust) Marzewski and beloved wife of the late Charles Arthur Carlson. She is survived by step-father Edward Marzewski; daughter Kim (Carlson)Hazley and son in-law Dr. Donald Hazley; daughter Kelly S. Carlson ; brother-in-law-Donald Carlson; sister-in-law MaryAnn (Carlson) Dilts; cousins Sharon, Dale and Fred Harmening; nephews Bruce Carlson, Michael Dilts, Eric Dilts, Matthew Carlson and nieces Kirstin (Carlson) Nagel and Jennifer (Dilts) O'Connell.
Clair lived most of her life in Chicago. As a child and well into adulthood she spent her summers in Newaygo County, Michigan. As a child Clair played the violin in an orchestra and was a remarkable artist who attended art programs at the Art Institute of Chicago from the age of 4. As an adult she attended Chicago's Academy of Fine Art. Clair exhibited her work in galleries and art shows for decades, winning numerous awards and honorable mentions. She was also an exceptional seamstress. Throughout the years she was a member of several art groups with beloved friends. Clair was a dedicated member of the Beverly Unitarian Church in Chicago and helped with the historic restoration of Chicago's only castle. Clair was also a certified scuba diver and enjoyed yearly vacations with her husband to Roatan Island. She was an avid reader all her life and an active member of MENSA. Clair loved animals especially dogs and was rarely without a pet. She benevolently gave regular contributions to a number of charities.
Clair has been a resident of Wanamassa, NJ for the past 7 years. She enjoyed going to the Allenhurst Beach Club to watch the ocean tides, surfers and sit with “the ladies” on the deck. She joined both Avon and Spring Lake/ Fairway Mews Senior Centers where she had great fun. She also had dear friends with whom she enjoyed shopping, going out for lunch, laughing and watching Jeopardy championships.
Clair's intelligence, creativity, survivorship, strong will and love of nature defined her life. She remained vigilant to the end to make her life one of purpose and meaning. She was a very strong soul, who now rests peacefully . “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength as long as life lasts.” Racheal Carlson
Relatives and friends are invited to visit Fiore Funeral Home located at 236 Monmouth Road Ocean Township, NJ Saturday 2/4/12 from 3pm-6pm with a Unitarian memorial service scheduled for 5:30. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, a donation to the local SPCA, 260 Wall Street, Eatontown, NJ 07724. For directions please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.