ANDREA M. CARLSON (TINSLEY)

    Andrea M. (Tinsley) Carlson, 69, of Worcester and Dennis, died peacefully at home from cancer on Saturday, February 13, 2010 surrounded by her family.

    She leaves her husband of 47 years, Jeffrey H. Carlson; four children, Jeffrey S. Carlson and his wife Margaret and their children Matthew, Julia and Brian of Holden, James F. Carlson and his wife Carollynn and their son Patrick of Portsmouth, R.I., Katie M. Messina and her husband David and their daughter Emily Grace Messina of Holden, and USAF Maj. Kerry A. Carlson of Holden.; a brother, E. Paul Tinsley, a brother-in-law, Robert M. "Bo" Reilly, both of West Boylston; a sister-in-law, Maureen Turner of Annandale, Va.; nieces and nephews. Her sister, Nancy A. Reilly, died Nov. 28, 2009.

    Andrea was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Worcester Police Capt. James F. Tinsley and Mary R. (O'Brien) Tinsley. She was a graduate of Notre Dame Academy and Worcester State College where she also earned two master degrees.

    She was a longtime educator in Worcester public schools retiring in 2003. She was a first grade teacher for most of her career, teaching hundreds of children how to read. She was on the faculty of several schools including many years at Thorndyke Road School.

    Andrea loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed vacationing at her home in Dennis on Cape Cod for more than 35 years. She loved to garden and walk the beach. She was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, the Washington Club and the Dennis Garden Club.

    The funeral will be Thursday, February 18 from the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 25 Fales St., Worcester. Her uncle, Msgr. Edmond T. Tinlsey, will be the principal celebrant. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Wednesday, February 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

    The family suggests donations in her memory to the McAuley Nazareth Home for Boys, 77 Mulberry St., Leicester 01524.