Barbara Lea Carlsen, age 92, of Bothell, Washington passed away peacefully at the Wockner Hospice Care Center in Kirkland, Washington on June 30, 2026.

She was born on January 25, 1934 in Williamson, West Virginia to the late Oakley E. and Mildred Evans.

Barbara graduated early from high school in Virginia and during a trip north, to visit her father in Ellenville, New York, she met Carl Christian Carlsen after hearing him play in a concert by Clayton’s Band. They were married in 1953 on the television show Bride and Groom. The wedding was a major event around the area, with many residents watching it on TV. A wonderful wife and mother, Barbara also was a member of the Shawangunk Garden Club, served as President of the Ellenville Central School PTA, and later attained Master Gardener status in Lake Stevens, Washington. She earned her Real Estate Licenses in New Jersey and New York, and later was a broker, founding the successful Carlsen Agency in Washingtonville, New York. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and always loved getting telephone calls, texts and pictures from her family. She was an expert on family history and often shared her treasured memories with us all.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 69 years, Carl, in 2022; grandmother (Nana) Suzie Tinsley; brother Wilton Hale Wiggins; sister Valerie Wynn Wiggins Doxtator; sister Lynn Wiggins; stepmother Charlotte Schoonmaker Evans; and stepfather Wilton “Pete” Wiggins.

Barbara is survived by her brother Rex Evans (Jane) of Poquoson, Virginia; son Scott Carlsen (Jun) of Ellenville, New York; daughter Beverly Carlsen-Landy (Jim) of Winchester, Virginia; son Neil Carlsen (Joni) of Marana, Arizona; grandchildren Kris, Katrina, Jeff (Bonnie), Erik (Anna), David (Sam), and Isabella; and great-grandchildren Hattie and Orson. She also leaves many cousins, second cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, great-grand nieces and nephews; and her beloved kitty Shadow.

Barbara and Carl always encouraged education and instilled a strong work ethic in their children. Scott graduated from Purdue University and retired from the New York State Department of Correctional Services as a Superintendent. Beverly earned her Doctorate from Texas Woman’s University and worked as a Professor at Texas Woman’s University, University of Texas at Dallas and Arizona State University. Neil graduated from the University of Hawaii and recently retired as a Delta Airlines Captain.

As were Barbara’s wishes, there will be no services and arrangements are being made by her children.

We wish to thank her Visiting Angels Bethany and Nakia for their loving care and companionship of our parents over the years. You were a true blessing.

Rest in eternal peace, we will miss you always.