Mary Ellen Carlson

Mary Ellen Carlson, 75, of Geneseo, passed away at home on Sunday, January 11, 2026.  Per the family's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family with arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to cancer research (donor's choice) and Gilda’s Club Quad Cities, 600 John Deere Road, Moline, IL, 61265.

Born August 27, 1950, in Moline, Illinois, she was the daughter of William “Bob” and Angela (DeSmet) Andrews. She graduated from Erie High School with the class of 1968, then went on to earn her Bachelor of Education from Eastern Illinois University. 

On July 8, 1989, she married Richard “Dick” Carlson in a ceremony held in Port Byron, Illinois.

Mary Ellen worked as a middle school teacher for the Erie School District. She was a member of St. Malachy Catholic Church and the Geneseo Country Club, and she volunteered at Hammond Henry Hospital.  She enjoyed sewing and was an avid collector of flamingo-themed items.  Mary Ellen will be remembered for her dedication to education, and she especially enjoyed helping others.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband, Richard “Dick” Carlson; daughter, Amy (Michael Lackey) Wilson of Seward, NE; son, Matt (Laura) Wilson of West Des Moines, IA; six grandchildren, Wilson Hershman, Matthew Lackey, Maria Lackey, Reese Wilson, Drew Wilson, and Ben Wilson; sisters, Arlene Perkins of Georgetown, TX, and Janet Irwin of Rock Island, IL; and brother, Tom (Brad) Andrews of Mundelein, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Angela Andrews; daughter, Mary Wilson, brothers-in-law, John Perkins and David Irwin.