Doris M. Carlson, 91

Longtime resident and musician Doris M. Carlson, 91, of Coeur d’Alene, died Feb. 25, 2012, at Hayden Valley Assisted Living in Hayden. She was born Sept. 24, 1920, in Friday Harbor, Wash., to Frank and Elsie (Wallace) Nichols.

Doris was a secretary for the Selective Service Board then Consolidated Freightway in Seattle before moving here. Then she worked for Joe Chapman Insurance, Bill Quarles Insurance and the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce. She was also secretary of the local No. 225 Musicans Union. During that time, she wrote many grants to the Music Performance Trust Fund, providing union wages for local musicians and bringing music to the community through the Fourth of July parade and concerts in the park.

Doris taught piano lessons in her home and played in numerous bands over the years including the Coeur d’Alene Big Band. She was a member of the Eagles and Elks and performed music at these establishments as well. Doris was honored for her volunteer work at Pinewood Care Center where she had entertained the residents weekly for more than 50 years. Doris was a dog-lover. For many years she raised show-quality Boston Terriers entering some in dog shows through the American Kennel Association. She was passionate about her fruit trees, vegetable and flower gardens, and could make anything grow. Doris was a talented artist and an active member of the Coeur d’Alene Art Association for many years.

Doris is survived by her daughter, Lorraine Jackson of Bremerton Wash.; her son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Laurie Nichols of Coeur d’Alene; her daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and Robert Olson of Federal Way, Wash.; and her step-son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Jeanine Carlson of Vashon Island, Wash.; grandchildren Jenay, Barbara, Lyman, Bryan, Gina, Jarrod, Chad and Brittany; great-grandchildren Kristina, Maddie, Trey, Cameron, Travis, Oliver and Emily; and several nieces and nephews including Pete, Maggie, Mimi, Toni, Dan, Russ, Nancy and John.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl “Russ” Carlson, on Jan. 12, 1998.

Doris’s family suggests memorials be made in her name to the Coeur d’Alene Big Band, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2012, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, with burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene.

Please sign Doris’ guest registry and view her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.