Marie Charlson

Published 1:00 am Tuesday, July 23, 2019

A memorial service for Marie A Siglowski Lee Charlson will take place Monday at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, beginning with family and friends visiting and reminiscing at 1:30 p.m., followed by a life celebration at 2:30 p.m. and a light luncheon at 3 p.m. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Marie Charlson

Marie, 89, died peacefully Sunday, July 14, 2019, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Born the ninth of 15 siblings, she grew up in Wells and lived most of her adult life in Albert Lea and Twin Lakes. She moved to Rochester in 2013 and later resided at Madonna Summit senior community in Byron.

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Throughout her career as an accomplished upholsterer, Marie maintained a respected reputation as a successful, independent businesswoman.

She loved to dance, play cards, spend time with her sisters, friends and her children, explore the U.S. on long driving trips and take long walks. She was devout in her faith, a caring and compassionate woman. During her time at Madonna Summit, she visited her fellow residents daily, going from room to room to brighten each person’s day. Her visiting companions describe her as a sweet friend with a quick wit and delicious sense of humor.

Marie had seven children by her first husband, Richard L. Lee, and an eighth child by her marriage to Warren Charlson.

She was preceded in death by her son, Charles Richard Lee.

In addition to her large extended family, Marie is survived by her other seven children, Marilyn Marie Oney, David Richard (Anita) Lee, Suzanne Marie (Richard) Riley, Linda Marie (Derek) Terveer, Brian Richard Lee, Dianne Marie (Paul) Heaney and Philip Warren (Julie) Charlson.

The family is especially grateful to Marie’s visiting companions, Madonna Summit Memory Care, Mayo Clinic Health System and St. Marys Hospital staff for their amazing care that made the last phase of Marie’s life comfortable, content and happy. Her family encourages donations to the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donate.