Marguerite W. Carlson

Marguerite W. Carlson of Lawrence, Kansas passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by people who loved her dearly.

Marguerite was born on November 12, 1936, in Evanston, Illinois to Bradley and Velma Williams. She grew up in her family’s heritage home alongside her three older sisters and developed an early love of cooking. She also enjoyed sailing, spending many hours on Lake Michigan with her father. Summers found her first as a camper and later as a counselor at Camp Miniwanca. In school, she was active in theatre, speech, and choir.

After graduating from High School, Marguerite attended Denison University in Ohio, where she majored in English and History and participated in choir, theatre, and the Delta Gamma sorority. Following graduation, she married John G. Wright, and they moved to the San Francisco Bay Area while he pursued his MBA at Stanford University. There they began raising their family of three children.

While living in California, Marguerite was deeply involved in her children’s activities and her church, Arlington Community Church in Kensington, serving on numerous committees and boards. In the late 1970s, she became Director of the Senior Center in Albany, California. During this time, she also met her future husband, the Reverend Robert L. Carlson, when he was called to serve at her church.

In the mid-1980s, the newly married couple moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where Bob served as Senior Pastor of Manhattan Congregational Church and Marguerite became Director of the Manhattan Senior Center.

Their final move brought them to Lawrence, where Marguerite worked as Director of the Lawrence Senior Center and found a beloved church home at Plymouth Congregational Church. She sang in the choir, served on numerous boards and committees, participated in a mission trip to India, and played a key role in establishing the church’s Stephen Ministry program, as well as strengthening its Planned Giving efforts. One of her children affectionately referred to her as “the church lady,” a title she carried with joy.

Marguerite led a full and generous life in Lawrence. She hosted a weekly television program, "As Time Goes By"; was an active Rotarian and the first woman to serve as president of the Jayhawk Breakfast Rotary Club; was a member of Leadership Lawrence; volunteered at the Lied Center of Kansas; and performed with and supported Theatre Lawrence, including as a member of the Vintage Players. She embodied the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”

After retirement, Marguerite launched her organizing business, “Organize U,” where she helped individuals and families sort through homes and belongings with both practical skill and deep compassion, guiding them through emotional as well as physical transitions.

Marguerite loved cooking, entertaining, traveling, theatre, gardening, and spending time with her family. She especially treasured making her famous strawberry jam, plum pudding, and holiday fudge with her children and grandchildren. She was known for her kindness, her welcoming spirit, and her ever-present hug.

Marguerite is survived by her children Gill, Kimberly, and Joanne; her grandchildren Ryan, Steven, Brooke, Madison, and Nicolette; and her great-grandchildren Henry, Barrett, Wendy, and Kasey. She was preceded in death by her parents, Velma and Bradley P. Williams; her sisters Priscilla, Virginia, and Nancy; her husband, Rev. Robert L. Carlson; and her grandson Matteo.

A memorial service celebrating Marguerite’s life will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont Street, Lawrence, Kansas, on Saturday, March 28, at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation sent locally to Stephen Ministry ℅ Plymouth Congregational Church- 925 Vermont Street, Lawrence KS, 66044, Rotary Jayhawk Breakfast Club of Lawrence or Theatre Lawrence - 4660 Bauer Farm Drive, Lawrence, KS, 66049.