Chesterton resident Mabel M. Carlson died Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. She was 94.

Born Nov. 15, 1914 in Chicago, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Mabel (Chubb) Lillywhite. On June 5, 1938 in Chesterton, she married David Carlson, who preceded her in death in 2001.

She is survived by son, Wendell Carlson (wife Mary) of Chesterton; daughter Marjorie Swisher (husband Joe) of Chesterton; grandchildren Brenda Kerr (Colin), Jeff Swisher (Shelly), Brian Carlson (Diane) and Tami Shea (Frank); eight great-grandchildren, Caleb, Jacob, and Joel Kerr, James and Karen Swisher, Ashley and Joshua Carlson, and Brandon Shea; step-great-grandchildren Jordan, Gabrielle, and Arielle Shea; one great-great-grandchild; three nieces in California; and a sister-in-law in New York.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers.

The Lillywhite family moved to Chesterton in 1920. Mabel graduated from Chesterton High School in 1932, and then worked for a law office in Chesterton and a grocery store in Gary. She also worked in Chicago. When she got married in 1938, she moved to her farm and lived there the rest of her life. She was a pianist and played for many church services. She was a charter member of Liberty Bible Church and a member of the Westchester Homemakers’ Club. She has been interviewed by the Westchester Township Historical Society Museum due to her knowledge of Chesterton history.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 22, at 10:30 a.m. at Liberty Bible Church, with Pastor Colin Kerr officiating. Burial will be in Chesterton Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. Second St., Chesterton. Memorials may be made to Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet Ave., Chesterton, IN, 46304. For information, call White-Love Funeral Home at 926-1309.

Posted 10/20/2009