Rose Arlene Simpson Carlson

Rose Arlene Simpson Carlson passed away comfortably at home under care of hospice April 23, 2019 after long struggle with colon cancer. Rose was born October 10, 1943 to Daisy Passino Simpson and Donald Simpson who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years John Herbert Carlson.

Her last thoughts were of being reunited with John. She never really adjusted to life without him. Rose is also predeceased by her brothers Donald Simpson, Jr., (skip) and John Simpson.
She is survived by her younger brother Michael Patterson. Rose also leaves her three loving daughters Taryn Carlson Conley, Tina Lynne Carlson and Kristin Ann Carlson all of Westport. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren Quinton Conley, currently serving in USAF in Germany, Kyle Conley, Brianna Carlson, Abigail Carlson, Alexander Steele(SLC Utah), Moira Steele, Einin Hammond and Annalie Hammond ( and their Dad Dennis Hammond) and one great grandson Isaac Vincent. She leaves her best furry friend, companion and guard cat Maiko who refused to leave her side after Rose became sick. He would answer the door, smelling the visitor (and occasionally take a little bite to be sure) before he would allow anyone close to his "human". Gram also leaves her human best friends Elizabeth (Betty) Stevens and Debbie (Nanny) Wright who were there, supporting her until the end. She also became very close to Judy Gates. Her visits meant the world to Rose. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. Her husband’s family continued to support Rose after John's passing, namely Harold and Linda Carlson and Sharron Morse.

Rose was born in Cheever NY and raised primarily in Westport, with her grandparents Her life was anything but easy but somehow a caring selfless and beautiful woman emerged. She married John when she turned 18 in October before she graduated from WCS in June. Her entire life revolved around her family, as she often went without so her children could have way more than needed. In her younger years she loved walking downtown, kids in tow, for ice cream, to play in Library Park, and spending hours at the public beach. At home she was quite the sun worshiper, known for her terry cloth rompers and covering herself with baby oil.(so many jokes taken from fact later). Family activities are way too abundant to list/ so many memories. All 5 of us, taking off in our car on a sunny weekend day, destination wherever. Later, as her children got older she became babysitter extraordinaire starting with grandchildren and then "encouraged" by Westport mothers to start babysitting for many more children before retiring. Some "kids" still kept in touch.

Later on, as she drove less and as her kids and most grandchildren were grown, but never left, Rose became a fanatic QVC shopper and loved it when she could catch her soaps. She loved sitting on her front porch in the spring when the weather turned, watching Maiko doing lazy Maiko stuff. Soon her daughters would drop in to visit. Gram always looked forward to her many trips to Walmart in Ticonderoga with her daughter Taryn and her grandson "Bub". Her favorite thing though was to visit her husband John at the nursing home, satisfying his sweet tooth with chocolate.
Rose had battled and beat breast cancer in 2003. She remained independent and active and was considered a survivor after 10 years.
Unfortunately, during her bout with colon cancer Rose didn't fare as well. After all treatment proved ineffective she was sent home with High Peaks Hospice and she was allowed to die in her own home with her family and friends and her Maiko there with her. A special thank you to two especially caring nurses Ashe and Sue.
There will be no calling hours as, per her wishes, Rose will be cremated and her ashes will be combined with her husband's. There will be a small graveside service at the Veteran's Cemetery in Wadhams, NY on Saturday May 4, 2019 at 10 am.
Everyone is encouraged to attend. Following the service there will be a small gathering at the home where John and Rose shared for so many years.
In lieu of flowers or gifts Rose would have loved it if people could instead contribute to a rescue organization ...her love of cats turned us all into cat people. ALLEY CATS ALLIED is a great organization, always flooded with needs and are now helping with kitties from the California situation. Please consider a tax deduct donation in the name of Rose (and Maiko, who I am sure kept her going as long as she did.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Heald Funeral Home, 7521 Court Street, Elizabethtown.
To light a memorial candle or leave an online condolence please visit www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com