Betty M. Carlson

Betty (MacDonald) Carlson passed away peacefully at her home in Canton on November 13, 2025, at the age of 97. She was pre-deceased by her devoted husband, Herman Carlson, and her brothers Robert and Fred MacDonald. She leaves behind her beloved children, Joan Carlson of Foxboro, Marcia Carlson and her husband Tom Alsup of Acton, and Wayne Carlson and his wife Maria of Stoughton, and her two very cherished grandchildren, Andy and Breena Carlson of Stoughton. Born May 17, 1928 to Charles and Ruth MacDonald, Betty grew up in Stoneham. As a girl, Betty loved ice skating and riding her bike. When she was a teenager, a friend taught her to knit, and she never stopped ever since!

She married Herman in 1950 and they settled in Wakefield, later moving to Westwood in the late 1960’s. She busied herself as a homemaker and raised their three children. Once her children got a bit older, she worked as a teller at Dedham Savings Bank. Her friendly and outgoing personality was well-suited for the job - she loved working with customers and meeting new people! Betty was also very active in the crafter’s guild at the First Baptist Church of Westwood - where she was a long-time member - contributing handmade items to their annual holiday fair. Betty’s talents as a crafter were extraordinary - she created charming Christmas ornaments, beautiful doll clothes, delightful teddy bears, braided rugs, and finely knitted baby layettes. Her cooking was equally memorable: her pies, cookies, chicken pot pie, and Swedish meatballs remain unparalleled!

Herman and Betty enjoyed an active retirement, travelling together on many cruises and international trips. After many years in Westwood, Herman and Betty bought a condo in Westborough, where they spent many happy years and finally experienced the long-awaited joy of grandparenthood! After Herman’s passing, Betty bought a condo in Stoughton to be closer to her two grandchildren, and became a member of Faith Baptist Church. Betty spent her final years at Cornerstone Assisted Living in Canton, where she formed many dear friendships and continued to share her warmth and good-natured sense of humor with those around her. Above all, Betty was a true a giver: devoted to her family, tireless as caregiver for her children and later for her aging parents, and embracing her role as a fun-loving, playful, and doting “Nana”.

Visitation will be held at Faith Baptist Church, 18 Stoughton Street, Stoughton, on Friday, November 28th from 11-12 PM with a Memorial Service at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s memory may be made to: The Price Center, 27 Christina Street Newton, MA 02461 https://www.thepricecenter.org/.