Linda M. Pederson Carlson, 69, of Topeka passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Rossville Healthcare.
Linda was born October 15, 1946 in Topeka, Kansas to George and Eva (Payne) Pederson before her father, a Veteran's Administration Hospital employee, was transferred to Illinois. Linda graduated from North Chicago Community High School in 1964.
When Linda's father was transferred to the V. A. in Richmond, VA, Linda joined her parents to live until a transfer in 1973 brought Linda and her parents to Leavenworth. Linda then moved to Topeka where she married Craig Carlson August 6, 1978. They divorced in 2010.
Linda was employed at Reynolds Metals (VA), Shawnee County Clerk's Office, The Expocentre, SW Bell, and Harrah's/ Prairie Band Casino in accounting/payroll and as a receptionist. She also worked part-time in sales at Sears, Montgomery Wards and Marling's. Due to dementia, Linda lost her job at the casino in 2009.
According to her ex-husband Craig, "Linda had a mission in life--spreading cheer and encouragement!" Much of Linda's volunteerism benefited family and dear friends, including Jim and Fern Goff. Because of her father's affliction with Alzheimer's Disease, Linda was also active with the Topeka Alzheimer's Association and served on the Board of Directors. For many years Linda and Craig lived in a duplex at 1018 Lilly Circle in order to help care for her parents next door.
Survivors include double first cousin Ronald (Cynthia) Pederson, cousin Donna Wilkerson, ex-husband Craig (of Rossville Healthcare), many other cousins and friends. Services will be Wedneday, Novemebr 11 at 10 am at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel. Private inurnment at Maple Hill Cemetery will follow.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Topeka Rescue Mission or the Alzheimer's Assoc. (
www.alz.org).