Elizabeth Helen Carlson

Elizabeth Helen Carlson, age 105, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026. Elizabeth went by "Betty" her entire life. She was born on May 27, 1921, the oldest daughter of William and Catherine George. She had two sisters, Peggy and Katie, and one brother, Billy. Betty graduated from Harding High School in St. Paul, MN.

She met her husband, George "Judd" Carlson, on a blind date. They married in 1942 at an Army base in Washington State and honeymooned at Mount Rainier National Park. Their only daughter, Judy, was born in 1944, and they remained married for just over 60 years.

Over the years, they lived on the east side of St. Paul, in a suburb of Chicago, and for many years on Long Island, NY. They returned to Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, when Judd retired and eventually made Arizona their full-time home. They also had a cabin on Camp Lake in Pine Center, MN, which they enjoyed for more than 40 years with their family and many friends.

Betty loved to sew, and with Judd being the Vice President of Sales for Singer Corporation, she was always testing out the latest and greatest sewing machines. She especially loved making matching outfits for her two granddaughters and also made many afghans over the years.

Golf was another one of her favorite pastimes. Her claim to fame was having two holes-in-one in her lifetime. She also loved to play games. Cards were her favorite, especially Bridge and solitaire, and she enjoyed playing Phase 10 with her great-grandchildren.

After 105 remarkable years, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, George; daughter Judy (Richard "Dick"); parents William and Catherine; sisters Peggy and Katie; and brother Billy.

She is survived by her two granddaughters, Carrie (Terry) and Kelly (Tracy); great-grandchildren Brandon (Kailee), Maddie (Mike), Derek (Misty), Jordan, Kenzie (Sam), Kayla, and Ryan; and two great-great-grandsons, Hudson and Bennett.

Interment will be at 10am on Friday, December 11, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, followed by lunch at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Vadnais Heights, MN.