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Carlson -- Anita C."Sparky" Carlson, longtime Albuquerque resident, passed away Wednesday morning, May 14, 2003. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family. Sparky Carlson was born on May 1, 1921, in Boston, Mass. She and her beloved husband, Jake came to Albuquerque in the spring of 1953 after a long trek across the US. They set out from Boston in order to find a place where Anita could live free of the asthma that had afflicted her since age 19. As they entered Tijeras Canyon, Anita asked Jake to stop the car. She had finally found a place where she could breathe freely. In the Land of Enchantment, they found what Anita called her promised land. For the 50 years she lived in New Mexico she never suffered another asthma attack. Anita was a devout Irish Catholic who reared ten children. She was happiest at home and felt fulfilled in taking care of her large brood. She was an active member of Queen of Heaven Parish, Queen of Heaven Altar Rosary Society, and a member of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem. She volunteered for charities such as Birthright. She was an ardent supporter of the poor, the homeless and Catholic missions abroad. Anita had been trained as a medical secretary, and she worked at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA. During World War II she worked for Pennsylvania Railroad. After raising her children, Anita returned to secretarial work within the Albuquerque Public Schools. She worked as a secretary at La Luz, Lowell, and Mission Avenue primary schools, and also for Rent-A-Granny. After 50 years of a marriage filled with love and humor, Anita lost Jake in 1994. Her ten children; 16 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren are overjoyed to know that this terrific couple has been reunited. Rosary: Friday evening, 7:00 p.m. at Queen of Angels Chapel, 1100 Indian School Rd, N.W. Mass: Alcuin F. Coyle ofm, Anita's brother, will celebrate a Mass of Resurrection at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 12500 Carmel Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122 on Saturday, May 17, 2003, 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cuidando los Ninos (243-6899) or to Barrett House (243-4887).
        Published on: Fri May 16, 2003