Jane A. (Pelham) Carlson

Weston – Mrs. Jane A. (Pelham) Carlson died with family by her side on Thursday, April 19, 2018. She was 89.

Born on August 17, 1928 in New York City she was a daughter of the late Alphonzo and Miriam (Clemens) Pelham. Raised in Great Neck, New York and educated in Dobbs Ferry, New York she was a graduate of Dobbs Ferry High School. She then studied at University of New Hampshire. Prior to marriage to Ralph W. Carlson on July 21, 1956 in Jackson, New Hampshire she worked as a photographer, for both Time and Life Magazines and the State of New Hampshire. They made Weston their home since 1956. Ralph died February 13, 1991.

While Jane was still working as Vice-President of BCD Metal Products in Malden her true love and passion was as an accomplished and well-known square dance caller. As she once explained, 'square dance terminology is a universal language, spoken by square dancers and their callers round the world.' Known throughout the Commonwealth and beyond…Jane encouraged those experienced and the newcomers to 'combine mental stimulation and exercise while having fun'. She called in Sweden, Canada and China as well and enjoyed the award of membership in its Hall of Fame in 1991.

Fun-loving and always active she enjoyed camping, volunteering at AMC at Mount Washington, hiking, skiing, motorcycle riding, boxing (watch out for her left hook), tennis (with a known affection for Novak Djokovic), horseback riding and above all these interests she loved nothing more than her family and time spent with each of them. She gave them all the love possible in the world and was given the opportunity to say good-bye to everyone. She leaves them with so many wonderful memories.

She leaves her children, Karin J. Carlson of Lincoln, Kristina A. Rumsey (Michael) of Hudson, Randolph W. Carlson (An) of N. Billerica and Andrew O. Carlson (Carolina) of Weston; her grandchildren, Ian Wright (fiancé Tammy Quach), Kaitlin Saleh (Joshua), Rachel Rumsey, John Rumsey (Kimberly), Janie and Emma Petraglia, Richard and Ryan Carlson, Marissa, Gregory and Chandler Carlson and Mathew Blandon; one great-granddaughter, Layla Saleh; sister of Robert Fry and the late Donald Pelham, Thomas Fry, Evelyn Fry and Godfrey Fry; also survived by nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jane's life by gathering for calling hours at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham, (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, April 23rd from 4 to 8 pm and again on Tuesday where her funeral service will be celebrated at 11 am. Rev. Vernon Porter will officiate. Burial in Linwood Cemetery is private.

Memorial donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.