Lena "Carolyn" Carlson, owner of C&J Ceramics Shop

Lena “Carolyn” Carlson, age 86, of Painted Post, formerly of Port Allegany, PA, died Saturday, October 19, 2013 at her daughter’s home in Painted Post, NY. 

Born August 11, 1927 in Coudersport, PA, she was the daughter of Miles and Lena (Haskins) Harris.  She married Sven J. “Jack” Carlson on November 27, 1948 in Coudersport, PA and was preceded in death by him in 1984.  Carolyn graduated from Coudersport High School in 1945 and later from Robert’s Beauty School in Buffalo, NY. She owned her own shop in Coudersport until marrying Jack and moving to Germany with him while he was stationed there in the US Army.

When they returned to Port Allegany, Carolyn went to work for North Penn Gas Company where she worked in the Accounting Department for many years.  Carolyn and Jack opened C & J Ceramics Shop and over the years she taught many students the art of ceramics. In 1986 Carolyn moved to Northern Virginia and worked for US Home (Lennar).  She retired in 2005 and moved to Corning, NY.

In her spare time, Carolyn was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years and was a Past Matron and a District Deputy.  She was a long time board member and President of the American Red Cross where she was Disaster Chairman and responsible for setting up and running an evacuation shelter in Port Allegany during the 1972 flood.  Carolyn also served on the Board of Directors for the Port Allegany Ambulance Association during their start-up. Carolyn was an avid golfer and was on the Board of Directors, and President of the Smethport Country Club in Smethport, PA.  She thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at the LPGA Corning Classic. 

She is survived by her daughter Carol Ann Carlson, her Grand puppy Mia of Painted Post, and several friends that are considered extended family.

Calling hours were held on Thursday, October 24 from 1 - 3 PM at Haughey Funeral Home, Inc., 216 E. First Street in Corning where funeral services followed at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CareFirst, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830 in Carolyn’s name.