Joanna S. "Jo" Carlson
Joanna Carlson Obituary
Carlson, Joanna S. “Jo” of Cambridge, MA left us too soon on December 20, 2021. Jo was born on September 9, 1961 in New Bedford, MA and was raised in Bedford, NH and Dobbs Ferry, NY. She graduated from The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY and Vassar College, NY as a drama and horticulture major then moved to the Cambridge area in 1985.
Jo was a bright light that lit up a room with an entrance and genuinely embraced all she met with a humorous, often outrageous, and chatty hug. She shared her unique energy with her students at Buckingham, Browne and Nichols and calmed many a bride and hostess over the years as a gifted floral designer at the Dutch Flower Garden, Celebrated Flower and Hallie’s Garden in Cambridge.
Jo treasured the beach and considered Plum Island her “church.” She loved a good dare, a good performance (especially her own), making people laugh, a good old fashioned Hallmark movie, and watching a summer sunset with a Marlboro Red in hand.
Jo was pre-deceased by her parents, Barbara Carlson in 2011 and Henry Carlson in 2004. She is survived by her brother, James (Eileen) Carlson of Sudbury, MA, her sister, Sarah Carlson of Somerville, MA, her brother, Peter (Birgit) Carlson of Frankfurt, Germany, her nieces and nephews, Caroline, Abby, Andrew and Jack Carlson, her stepmother, Catherine Carlson of Hubbardston, MA and so many dear, close friends and relatives.
In Jo’s memory remember that it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful and strive to be happy.
A celebration of Jo’s life will take place at 12:00 PM on Sunday, August 28, 2022 at Plum Island Hall 8 Plum Island Turnpike Newbury, MA. Wear your festive "Jo Style" attire & share your favorite "Jo story". The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Miss Carlson’s family with her arrangements.
To offer online condolences and to check on Service updates please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joanna S. "Jo" Carlson, please visit our floral store.
