Mary Wells Karlson

Mary Wells Karlson, 90, of Port Charlotte passed away July 9, 2015. She was the daughter of Llewellyn and Martha (Marcum) Wells, born at home on the family farm on December 13, 1924 in Bens Run, WV. The family's large farm, bordering the Ohio River, provided her with a unique upbringing of attending a 2 room schoolhouse, and learning to make all of life's necessities. Mary graduated Valedictorian of her high school class and played violin in the school orchestra. She received her nursing degree from Penn. College for Women (now Chatham University) in 1947, and trained at Alleghany General Hospital. She was a registered nurse and dedicated herself as a school nurse for 29 years, first as an elementary school nurse over three schools in Cranford, NJ, then at Stroudsburg High School in PA. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Mt Pocono, PA, serving in the choir and on the stewardship committee. After moving to Port Charlotte, she was a member of Church of the Good Shepherd, and served as a Crafty Lady. She was also a member of the Junior Women's League, Penn. State Educator's Assn., and the Penn. School Nurses' Assn. She knit caps and scarves for seamen, and caps for babies. She was also well known for the beautiful sweaters she made. She was a master seamstress, and used those talents to serve others her whole life. Mary will be greatly missed by her children, Eric (Sarah) Karlson of PA, Christopher (Rose) Karlson of PA, and Jane (William) Gardner of NJ; grandchildren, Gus, Thomas, Daisy, Martha, and Laura; and great-grandson, Boden Wells Gardner. She was preceded in death by her husband, William in 2000. No local services are planned; a private service will be held later in PA and WV. Memorial donations in Mary's memory may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 137 Trinity Hill Rd, Mt. Pocono, PA 18344. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.LTaylorFuneral.com and sign the online guest book.