Janet Carlson, beloved wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Monday, July 21, 2025.

Janet is survived by her devoted husband, Erik Carlson; her loving children, Charles Ashbrook (Heather) and Jennifer Michaels (Brian); and her cherished stepdaughters, Jane Prinz (Michael) and Sarah Carlson. She was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother to Robert Michaels, Alexander Michaels, and William Michaels (Stephanie); to Kendrick Ashbrook and his daughters Bailey and Olivia; to Nathan Ashbrook and his daughter Aleena; and to Zachary Ashbrook (Vanessa) and their children Gabriel, Alicesandra, and Wyatt—all of whom she adored.

She is also survived by her two loving sisters, Nancy Ehly and Karen Miller (John); and her treasured nieces: Stacey Zentner (Jay), Amy Miller-Klann (Alan), and Angie Couture (Rick), whose lives she touched deeply.

Janet was a vibrant and active woman who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid bowler and a passionate player of Euchre, Canasta, and Mahjong. A devoted reader, she always had a book nearby, and she lovingly knit blankets, scarves, and sweaters for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—as well as lap blankets for veteran soldiers and patients at the VA hospital.

She loved to travel and cherished many adventures over the years—two especially memorable trips were to Ireland and Alaska, which brought her great joy and lasting memories.

Janet had a special gift for bringing people together and making them feel at home. She loved to entertain, often hosting dinner parties filled with laughter, warmth, and good conversation. Her sense of humor, generous heart, and deep love for her family and community will be remembered always.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Janet’s memory to a local library or literacy program, honoring her lifelong love of reading and learning, or to any VA Hospital or veterans association, in recognition of her heartfelt support for those who served.