CORINNE L. CARLSON (PARSONS)

   Mrs. Corinne Luella (Parsons) Carlson, 86, of Briarwood, Worcester, Massachusetts, passed from our loving arms to God on Monday, December 22, 2008.

   Connie was predeceased by her husband, Howard Walter Carlson; her parents, Gerald D. Parsons and Adelaide Ella Morse Parsons Bodo; her brothers, Gerald Parsons and Henry Parsons (who died in combat in World War II); her sisters, Adelaide Ruth Parsons Gilbert, Priscilla Parsons Hamby, Barbara Mae Parsons Warner and Alice M. Parsons Field.

   Mrs. Carlson leaves her son, Steven Howard Carlson, and his partner, David Douglas Hall, of West Warren; her daughters, Judith Ann LaBombard, and her husband Henry, of Paxton; Gail Blenda Carlson Bachorik, of Milton, Florida; and Jean Jones Harger and her husband, Dale, of Thompson, Connecticut; a grandson, Kevin LaBombard, a granddaughter, Sandra (LaBombard) Bergman, and great-grandchildren Taylor and Hannah Bergman, all of Paxton; and many nieces and nephews in California, Utah, Oklahoma, and Mississippi.

   Connie served in the Women's Army Corps from 1943 to 1945. She was stationed in Italy, and in 1945 was awarded the Bronze Star. Connie worked in secretarial and bookkeeping positions within the insurance and banking industries. She later owned Corinne's Hallmark shop in Worcester until her retirement. She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and served as Treasurer of the church's Esther Group. She worked tirelessly each year for the church's Fall Fair. She was generous and caring, loved by family and friends.

   Calling hours will be held at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Monday, Dec. 29, from 5-7 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 10 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at Zion Lutheran Church, 41 Whitmarsh Ave., at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Zion Lutheran Church, 41 Whitmarsh Ave., Worcester, MA 01606, or Brimfield Area Master Singers, c/o Steven Carlson, P.O. Box 0591, West Warren, MA 01092-0591, or any other charity.