Obituary of Glenna Jean Carlson

Glenna Jean Carlson

April 30, 1954 ~ April 8, 2026

Glenna Jean Carlson was born on April 30th, 1954, in Stettler, Alberta. She was raised by Glen and Jean Riggins, alongside her older brother, Richard Riggins, and spent her early years in Erskine before her family moved to Etzikom, Alberta and later to Medicine Hat, Alberta. Medicine Hat would become her home, where she met Lawrence Carlson (Larry) and together they built a family and had three boys: Chad, Jordan, and Joel. She poured everything she had into raising them, always ensuring they were cared for, supported, and deeply loved.

In 1992, the family moved to Alix, Alberta, where Glenna truly flourished. She became a cornerstone of the community—someone who was always present, always involved, and always willing to help. She was a chronic volunteer in the truest sense, giving her time and energy to countless boards, committees, and community groups. She also ran FCSS in Alix for many years, and worked at the Alix-MAC preschool, helping shape young lives and support families. Through all of this, she remained deeply committed to strengthening the community she loved so much.

Her connection to Alix ran deep. She was an active member of the Alix United Church, which she lived right next door to—a fitting reflection of how central both faith and community were in her life. Whether it was through organized groups or quiet, behind-the-scenes efforts, Glenna was always there, contributing, supporting, and making a difference.

Glenna formed deep and lasting friendships throughout her years in Alix. She truly loved being around people and had a natural ability to connect with others. She was always ready to sit down for a game of cards, a board game, or take part in any activity, no matter the occasion. She loved to be social—sharing stories, laughter, and time with friends. Whether it was a planned gathering or a spontaneous visit, Glenna was always ready to be part of it.

Family was incredibly important to Glenna, not only her immediate family but her extended family as well. She cherished the relationships she had with her cousins, aunties, uncles, and relatives spread across Alberta, British Columbia, and the United States. She held close the memories of summers spent, time spent, and many visits with her cousins, and carried those connections with her throughout her life. She made every effort to stay in touch, to visit when she could, and to be present for important family events and reunions. Those bonds meant a great deal to her, and she took pride in keeping those relationships strong.

Glenna had a deep love for people and a natural desire to stay connected. She took pride in knowing what was happening in the community and in the lives of those around her. She may not have always appreciated it being pointed out, but her well-known ability to keep up with everything was simply another expression of how much she cared.

She was also known for her love of nature, flowers and especially birds. Her yard was filled with bird feeders, and she found joy in watching them daily. In the winter, she made sure the deer were fed as well—quiet acts of care that reflected her gentle and giving nature. And, as many will remember with a smile, she even managed to give a squirrel a place to call home.

Above all, Glenna was a devoted mother and an extraordinary grandmother. She had six grandchildren—Sydney and Cole, children of Jordan and Kimberly; Kinley, daughter of Chad; and Jaxson, Hailie, and Gavin, children of Joel. She also welcomed into her life Damian and Sloane, children of Calene, Joel’s significant other, as part of a blended family.

Her grandchildren were truly the light of her life. Her love for watching children in sports and activities was a defining part of who she was. As her own boys were growing up, she was there for everything—every baseball game, every bowling night, every school sport event and function. She did not miss games, and she did not miss moments. She showed up, cheered loudly, and supported wholeheartedly.

That same passion carried on into her role as a grandmother. She would never have wanted to miss a game or a performance. While she was not always able to be there in person, she stayed closely connected—knowing schedules, asking for updates, and celebrating every moment. Whether it was hockey, ringette, ball, soccer, time in the gym, or watching from the audience during plays, band concerts, or ballet recitals, if she couldn’t be present, she was there in spirit—proud, invested, and cheering them on in her own way. It was never just about her own children or grandchildren—Glenna truly loved watching all kids play, grow, and succeed.

Glenna was also incredibly strong. She was a breast cancer survivor, facing that chapter of her life with courage and determination. In January of 2025, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and once again, she faced it with strength and resilience. She battled with everything she had, showing the same determination and spirit that defined her entire life.

Glenna will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, her sense of humor, and her unwavering commitment to her family and community. She lived a life of service, of connection, and of deep love. Her strength in the face of adversity, her love for those around her, and the legacy she leaves behind will never be forgotten.

A Come & Go Tea

Saturday May 16, 2026, 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Alix Community Hall, Alix, Alberta

Memorial donations may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada 105, 4807-50 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 4A5, Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/NWT Division, 200-325 Manning Road, NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 9Z9.

Glenna will be laid to rest in a private Burial Ceremony beside her brother at the Erskine Cemetery.