Sally P. Carlson

Sally Pickett Carlson, beloved mother and wife, devoted public servant, and dear friend died peacefully in her home in Stow, New York on March 23 ^rd , 2018 surrounded by family and friends. Sally lived her life with strength and purpose to the very end. Her sheer determination to finish "some projects" helped her to live life to the fullest for two years after her pancreatic cancer diagnosis. She inspired us with her unflagging energy and optimism during this time.  Her warm smile and willingness to help everyone will be greatly missed.

She leaves behind a host of wonderful friends and daughters Kelly Carlson, Mt Pleasant, SC, Brooke Norris (Andrew) Almond, NY; Grandchildren: Lauren Norris, Jessica Norris, Natalie Norris and Thomas Norris.  Nephews: Robert Pickett Jr and Scott Carlson.

She was preceded in death by: Robert J Carlson, (much loved husband), Robert Pickett (brother), Marjorie Bailey (sister), Kerin Trapani (niece), Marjorie Hough (mother).

Sally was born March 11, 1943 in Jamestown, NY to Marjorie Fenton and Julius Pickett. Graduated from Chautauqua Central School, she kept in touch with many of her high school class mates over the years and enjoyed seeing them. She went on to earn a BS in Secondary Education with a major in English from SUNY Geneseo and completed 30 hours of graduate work. After graduation, she taught English at Randolph Central School and directed the Junior play.

Following in the footsteps of her mother, Sally served as Town Clerk and Tax Collector for the Town of North Harmony from 1972 to 2005.  She was one of the founders of the Municipal Clerks of Chautauqua County, serving as president, and wrote the newsletter for several years. During this time, she was awarded Town Clerk of the Year and was the recipient of the Southern Tier West Local Government Award. She was a Registered Municipal Clerk and Notary Public.  She also collected school taxes for Chautauqua Central School.

From 2006 until her death, Carlson proudly & energetically served as Town of North Harmony Supervisor. She was a passionate leader who cared deeply about the community. She worked tirelessly to make North Harmony and Chautauqua Lake a better place to live, work and visit. She leaves a legacy of improvements to our community, but perhaps one of the most memorable & lasting may be the work she did to build the North Harmony Veteran's Park in Ashville

A true public servant and volunteer, Sally was active in almost countless local organizations including:

Chautauqua Lake Management Commission

Chautauqua Alliance member and was awarded the Eager Beaver Award

Chautauqua County South Center Sewer Board

Chautauqua County Sewer Committee

Chautauqua County Shared Services Committee

Chautauqua County Workmen's Compensation Committee

Mayors and Supervisors Association, Vice President and Treasurer.

Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Committee.

North Harmony Senior Citizens, 1 ^st Vice President and long-time member.

Scarlet O'Hatters – Cheer Lady and member

Ashville Library Board 1980-2005, President 1993-2005

Ashville Day Committee

Ashville Fire Department Auxiliary

Red Cross blood donor.

North Harmony United Methodist Church member, Trustee and Children's sermon weekly.

North Harmony Republican Committee Chairman

Girl Scout Leader, Neighborhood Chairman

Real Estate License

Republican Chairman's Club

North Harmony Senior Citizens.

Sally will be remembered by many for her dedicated public service, community involvement and volunteerism. While Sally's contributions to the community are significant, she was, most importantly, a loving, supportive and devoted, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She had a ready smile, a big heart and open arms.  She loved music, painting, cards and trips to the Casino to play Elvis slots. She made the world's best apple pie.  And, thanks to Sally, the lighthouse in Stow features her favorite colors, which, of course, are red, white and blue!

Thank you to all the friends, neighbors and co-workers for all the uplifting cards, heartfelt messages, visits, encouragement and generosity. We are so grateful to you.

A private burial will be held at Open Meadows Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held at the Ashville Fire Hall in Stow at 11 am on Monday, March 26 ^th , 2018.

For information or to post condolences please visit www.freayfuneralhome.com .

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Ashville Fire Department

5338 Stow Rd

Ashville, NY  14710

Ashville Fire Department Auxilary

PO Box 122 c/o Gayle

Ashville, NY 14710

Ashville Food Pantry

PO Box 124

Ashville, NY 14710

Ashville Free Library

2200 North Maple

Ashville, NY 14710