Naomi G. "Ni" Carlson

Naomi "Ni" G. Carlson, 84 of 6 Fiske Avenue, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Bradford Regional Medical Center. 

Born April 15, 1931, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Edwin F. W. and Agnes V. (Johnson) Carlson.

Ms. Carlson was a 1949 graduate of Bradford Area High School and a 2006 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

She worked at Bell Atlantic now Verizon in Bradford and Warren.  She retired in 1988 with 38 years of service as a Test Desk Technician. 

She was an active member of Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church and volunteered in many capacities at the Church.

She was a long time member of the Girl Scouts USA, joining in April of 1945. She was active in former Mc-Cam-Po Girl Scout Council, Keystone Tall Tree Girl Scout Council, and The Girl Scouts Western council. She was a Senior Troop Advisor for 28 years and trained girls for the Girl Scout Roundup in 1959, 1962, and 1965; served on the Board of Directors, outdoor trainer, camp director and was involved in the development of Camp Kil-O-Qua and Camp Resting Water. In 1994 she received the Thanks Badge II, which is the highest Award in Girl Scouting for adults. She was also a member of the McKean County Beagle Club, The American Association of University Women, Bell Telephone Pioneers of America and a volunteer at Community Outreach. 

She is survived by four cousins, James Johnson, Ronald Johnson, Leon Johnson and Nancy Sisson, all from the Brocton, NY area and several cousins in Sweden. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant sister Corrine Carlson on June 4, 1927.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 from 10:00am to 11:00am in the Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, where funeral and committal services will be held at 11:00am with Rev. Thomas Pierotti, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.   

Memorials if desired may be made to: Bradford Area Public Library, 67 West Washington Street, Bradford, Scholarship Fund, Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 152 Seaward Ave, Bradford, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, 30 Isabella St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 or The Bradford Educational Foundation, UPB, 300 Campus Drive, Bradford, PA  16701.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
 
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

 

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

I met Ni when I was with the Girl Scouts in the mid-1980's. Ni was on the board and active on our Capital Campaign Committee. I would come up to Bradford from Kittanning and Ni would schedule a full day of visits!! She energized any room when she entered it. Every year - her's was the first Christmas card I would receive - for 25+ years. Her letters were filled with her wonderful humor - simple stories revealing her dedication to her community - her volunteer activities - and stories that were just plain "Ni"! She never met a stranger - her kindness and compassion were her hallmark - yet, to Ni, it was her mission - doing God's work through simple acts of giving. She will be missed.
— Patti Holmes

Rest in peace. My grandfather talked aot obout you ang his bother Edwin. From Sweden Joakim Persson
— Joakim Persson

What an amazing woman and life she led. Some 40 years ago I spent a week with her and Girl Scouts from Bradford camping at Letchworth State Park. For many years she portrayed Juliette Lowe, the founder of Girl Scouts at various council events. Sorry to hear of her passing. A life well lived and wonderful mentor to many girls now women.
— Robin Kuleck

I am deeply saddened to learn of Naomi’s passing, but feel blessed to have known her. Although I have only known her for one year, Naomi made an impact on my life. After moving to her street last May, Naomi was the first person to welcome my family to the neighborhood. I remember how she rapped on our kitchen door and when introducing herself she said, “You can call me anything, just don’t call me late for dinner.” She gave us a greeting card and gift certificates for McDonald’s that brought her into instant favor with our son. Our friendship primarily consisted of short conversations we had in my yard while she took her late afternoon walks around the neighborhood. She would share stories about the neighborhood and town and her years at Bell Atlantic. She would give our dog biscuits and if we weren’t outside when she passed, she’d leave treats for him in the mailbox. She’d let us know if there was a package on the front porch so it would not get wet in the rain. Just last week we were chatting and when learning that my car had been wrecked, she offered me the use of her vehicle. At the end of every conversation, she would always say, “If there’s anything you ever need or I can help you with, please don’t hesitate to ask” and she would give me a swift pat on the back and be on her way. Naomi struck me as a hardy, independent and efficient woman. She said she was proud of me for being willing to drive my husband’s truck with a standard transmission. She shared on several occasions that she didn’t get upset when she had health issues because she had already “been through the wringer.” She shared last week that she had recently made arrangements with a funeral director because “it was about time.” As a woman in her eighties, she drove a sport utility vehicle and kept a meticulous yard. Naomi epitomized neighborliness that you don’t always witness today. I will miss seeing her taking walks while wearing her skirt and straw hat and will certainly miss her friendship. I’m sure her earthly presence will be missed by both humans and canines. I hope to use her memory as a reminder to spread her ongoing acts of kindness and generosity.
— Ann Marie Hefferan

I just saw Ni at my mother's burial service on 6 May (10 days ago) full of life and laughter. we talked about old times in Girl Scouts and brought back many happy memories. Ni was a generous , giving person and I am so thankful that I had the chance to see her again. Rest in peace, Stephanie
— Stephanie Marshall

Condolences

  • I met Ni when I was with the Girl Scouts in the mid-1980's. Ni was on the board and active on our Capital Campaign Committee. I would come up to Bradford from Kittanning and Ni would schedule a full day of visits!! She energized any room when she entered it. Every year - her's was the first Christmas card I would receive - for 25+ years. Her letters were filled with her wonderful humor - simple stories revealing her dedication to her community - her volunteer activities - and stories that were just plain "Ni"! She never met a stranger - her kindness and compassion were her hallmark - yet, to Ni, it was her mission - doing God's work through simple acts of giving. She will be missed.

    — Patti Holmes
  • Rest in peace. My grandfather talked aot obout you ang his bother Edwin. From Sweden Joakim Persson

    — Joakim Persson
  • What an amazing woman and life she led. Some 40 years ago I spent a week with her and Girl Scouts from Bradford camping at Letchworth State Park. For many years she portrayed Juliette Lowe, the founder of Girl Scouts at various council events. Sorry to hear of her passing. A life well lived and wonderful mentor to many girls now women.

    — Robin Kuleck
  • I am deeply saddened to learn of Naomi’s passing, but feel blessed to have known her. Although I have only known her for one year, Naomi made an impact on my life. After moving to her street last May, Naomi was the first person to welcome my family to the neighborhood. I remember how she rapped on our kitchen door and when introducing herself she said, “You can call me anything, just don’t call me late for dinner.” She gave us a greeting card and gift certificates for McDonald’s that brought her into instant favor with our son. Our friendship primarily consisted of short conversations we had in my yard while she took her late afternoon walks around the neighborhood. She would share stories about the neighborhood and town and her years at Bell Atlantic. She would give our dog biscuits and if we weren’t outside when she passed, she’d leave treats for him in the mailbox. She’d let us know if there was a package on the front porch so it would not get wet in the rain. Just last week we were chatting and when learning that my car had been wrecked, she offered me the use of her vehicle. At the end of every conversation, she would always say, “If there’s anything you ever need or I can help you with, please don’t hesitate to ask” and she would give me a swift pat on the back and be on her way. Naomi struck me as a hardy, independent and efficient woman. She said she was proud of me for being willing to drive my husband’s truck with a standard transmission. She shared on several occasions that she didn’t get upset when she had health issues because she had already “been through the wringer.” She shared last week that she had recently made arrangements with a funeral director because “it was about time.” As a woman in her eighties, she drove a sport utility vehicle and kept a meticulous yard. Naomi epitomized neighborliness that you don’t always witness today. I will miss seeing her taking walks while wearing her skirt and straw hat and will certainly miss her friendship. I’m sure her earthly presence will be missed by both humans and canines. I hope to use her memory as a reminder to spread her ongoing acts of kindness and generosity.

    — Ann Marie Hefferan
  • I just saw Ni at my mother's burial service on 6 May (10 days ago) full of life and laughter. we talked about old times in Girl Scouts and brought back many happy memories. Ni was a generous , giving person and I am so thankful that I had the chance to see her again. Rest in peace, Stephanie

    — Stephanie Marshall