Ellen Maureen Carlson

Ellen Maureen Carlson died unexpectedly of natural causes March 21, 2015, at her home in Minneapolis. Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place. Burial will be held in the spring at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Ellen was born August 2, 1979, to Chris and Evy (Lind) Carlson, in Tioga, ND. The family moved to Bismarck in 1980. Ellen graduated from Bismarck High School, attended Bismarck State College, and in 2001 graduated from St. Cloud State University with degrees in Creative Writing and Literature. After graduating from college Ellen moved to Minneapolis, where she resided until her death. Ellen enjoyed music, especially hip hop. She was part of the extended family of the Minneapolis music scene, and she enjoyed helping at many outdoor music festivals in the Twin Cities area. In addition to music, Ellen enjoyed reading and movies, and she was an accomplished artist. But her work with special needs students in the Richfield School District was her true passion. She loved her "kids" and would give near daily telephone updates to her mother about what had happened at work. Ellen also loved her two beautiful cats, Oscar and Gertie. She had numerous caring friends and was like family to many, many people including two special "Uncles," Jim Christianson and Bill Chaussee. In addition to her work with kids at Richfield High, Ellen spent the last five years as a part-time caregiver to a special young woman named Michelle, and she became close with Michelle and her parents. Ellen is survived by her parents, Chris and Evy Carlson; her grandmother, Selma Carlson; her uncles and aunts, Steve Carlson (Renee Johnson), Cathy Lind Hoff, Candace and Kelly Bouche, Tom and Karen Lind, and Carol Carlson; her cousins, Jeb (Rhea) Carlson, Sarah Carlson, Melissa (Marcelo Ferras de Toledo), Jenna Lind, Emily Lind, Aleisha (Jody) Bouché, Tyler (Stephanie) Bouché, Cassidy (Brian) Jones, and Elizabeth (Robert) Pausch. She also leaves behind her “other mother,” Mary Vinje Shenk; her “big sister,” Leah Coghlan; and her dear “Aunt Cindy” Anderson. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill and Bette Lind, and Pershing Carlson; and by her uncle, Bill Hoff. Memorials may be sent to the Ellen Carlson Memorial Fund, c/o Richfield High School, 7001 Harriet Ave South, Richfield MN 55417.

Ellen Maureen Carlson

August 2, 1979 - March 21, 2015