EVELYN PAULINE PETERSON-CARMEN

Lifelong Alaskan Evelyn Pauline Peterson-Carmen passed away March 11, 2005, at Harlingen Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas, from complications after heart surgery. Her family was at her side at the time of her passing.

At her request, no service will be held. A celebration of life will be held during the summer for family and friends.

Mrs. Peterson-Carmen was born in Wood River on May 21, 1934, to Bessie and Fred "Pinky" Peterson. She attended grade school in Dillingham and Anchorage and attended her junior year of high school in Cordova, where she participated in basketball and cheerleading. She graduated from Anchorage High School with the class of 1953. She worked at the Empress and 4th Avenue Theaters during high school years.

She married the love of her life, Dennis Carmen, on May 9, 1953, in Wasilla, thus setting the stage for a "beautiful love story!"

Her family wrote, "Evelyn had many interests, including ice skating and rifle club, while in high school. She was an accomplished bowler and a member of many leagues in Anchorage and Texas. Upon her death, the bowling alley in Harlingen discontinued all bowling for a moment of silence in her honor.

"Evelyn loved dancing, and was on the dance committee at Leisure World Park, Weslaco, Texas. She especially enjoyed teaching her children and grandchildren line dancing.

"She enjoyed doing most handiwork, but surpassed in crocheting many afghans for family and friends. She lovingly gave of her retirement time to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren."

Mrs. Peterson-Carmen had been employed as a medical secretary by Dr. Drake, Dr. St John, and Dr. Beirns from 1957 through 1973. In 1978, she and her husband moved to Big Lake.

After retiring, the couple enjoyed 20 years of extensive travels through the United States and Canada. For five years they spent winters at Makaha Beach, Hawaii, and for the past 15 years, they divided their time between Big Lake and Weslaco, Texas, driving the Alaska Highway in both directions.

"Evelyn was especially proud of her collection of coffee cups from each of the 50 states plus most Canadian provinces, which hang in her Big Lake home. A favorite pastime while driving around on vacations was to count trucks. The most trucks she counted was 13,000 for one trip.

Evelyn was so very proud of her Alaska Native heritage and was a participating member of Cook Inlet Tribal Association.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Dennis; son, Lance Carmen; son, Dennis W. Carmen; son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Kathy Carmen, and daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Jimmie Rogers.

Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren, Brigitte Lytle, Christopher and Michael Carmen, Jennifer, Jimmie and Blake Rogers, Robyn and Justin Carmen, John, Tim, Dennis Wayne Jr. and Tyler Carmen; three great-grandchildren, Destiny and Shaun Lytle and Dameon Tugmon; brother, Clyde Peterson; sisters and brothers-in-law, Marietta and Dave Curtis, Gladys and Ron Roberts-Workman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Steven and Ursula Carmen from British Columbia and Roger and Anna Carmen, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie and Fred "Pinky" Peterson, and brothers, Fred and Steven.

Mrs. Peterson-Carmen's remains will be returning to Alaska, accompanied by her husband, after they have one last road trip from Texas to Alaska via the Alaska Highway.