Obituary of Susan Carlson

Susan Ann Carlson of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina died peacefully surrounded by her family on July 20, 2020. She was a beloved sister and a cherished friend to many.

Susan was born in Willard, Ohio on October 9, 1965. She was the youngest of four children born to Ronald and Lynn Carlson. Her early childhood was spent in Glasgow, Kentucky, where she attended First United Methodist Church and was a member of the Carol and Joy Bell Ringers choirs.  In 1978 she moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina where she attended Sea Pines Academy, serving as class secretary, and graduating in1983. She was a member of the volleyball and golf teams.  Her love for golf would continue throughout her life. She served as a standard bearer at the Heritage Golf Tournament and loved to attend the tournament every year with her friends and family.

Susan loved to travel and to immerse herself in the local culture. She was fortunate to visit Australia, Canada, the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands. Susan was also very proud of her Swedish heritage. She always made sure the family’s annual Christmas smorgasbord was complete by procuring the Limpa bread from Signe’s bakery every year.  She truly enjoyed cooking and was definitely a foodie, often sharing her culinary delights with friends and family.  Eating was an experience to be savored and she always had a goodie bite that she saved for the end of a meal.  She was also known to carry a bottle of hot sauce in her purse to add extra “heat” when needed.

Susan had an outgoing and fun-loving spirit and never met a stranger. She had a smile and a laugh that could light up a room. She was also passionate about music, loved to attend music festivals and concerts, and was an expert on music trivia.

Susan is survived by her siblings, David Carlson (Tara) of Arlington, VA, Paul Carlson (Dawn) of Marietta, GA, Janet Balmaceda of Bluffton, SC, Jennifer (Mark) Davis, of Venetia, PA, and Deborah (Willy) Pirngruber, of Columbia, SC; nephews Steven Carlson (Nicole) of Atlanta, GA, Connor Carlson of Nashville, TN, Matthew Balmaceda of Bluffton, SC, Andrew and Evan Davis of Venetia, PA and Anthony Caywood Of Columbia, SC; nieces, Aubrey and Aria Pirngruber of Columbia, SC, and cousin Nancy (Justin) Gibbs of Fort Huachuca, Arizona.  She is also survived by her former partner Rick Eldridge, and her current boyfriend Ian Babbitt.  Susan was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved cat, Tux.

Due to Covid-19, the family will hold a private memorial for Susan. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations to YANA Club of Hilton Head, PO Box 7691, Hilton Head, SC, 29938. http://yanaclub.com/get_involved.html

Simplicity: Lowcountry Cremation and Burial Services in Bluffton is assisting the family. (lowcountryfuneral.com)