Georgetown……

Sharon A. (Gillis) Carlson, age 50, of Georgetown, formerly of Marblehead, died early Friday morning December 17, 2010, at home surrounded by her loving family and friends following a courageous battle with a brain tumor.

Sharon was born and raised in Marblehead the daughter of Mary P (Kelley) Gillis of Marblehead and the late Marblehead Cemetery Commissioner Dexter Gillis. Her passion for the water and ocean began at a young age. Sharon enjoyed swimming and had been a member of the Marblehead Elks swim team. She attended Star of the Sea Grammar School, Marblehead Junior High School and was graduated from Marblehead High School in the Class of 1977. Sharon then received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, Cum Laude from Westfield State College and began pursuing her life long dream to be a teacher. Initially she taught at the Solartareun School in Salem, now known as the Greenhouse School. Later she became a teacher at the New Beginings in Danvers and for the last 20 years has taught at Run-A-Muck until becoming ill.

Sharon loved her family and being a mom, her children were her life. There wasn't a place she would not take them to. Her magnetic personality and kind nature brought many friends into her life who have surrounded her with love and support during her illness for which her family is extremely grateful.

In addition to her mom, she is survived by two children Tyler Michael Carlson and Hannah Kelley Carlson both of Georgetown; her sister Ann Marie Finch and her husband Scott of Marblehead; a brother C.W.O Michael Gillis, USMC, Retired of San Diego, CA. She was also the aunt of four nephews, Corey, Kyle and Connor Finch as well as the late Brandon Finch and is also survived by many cousins.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday at a time to be announced by the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (cor of North St) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at a time to be announced, in Our Lady Star of the Sea Churh, 81 Atlantic Ave. Marblehead, Ma. Visiting hours will be Tuesday, from 4:00 P.M to 8:00 PM. Interment will be in Waterside Cemetery, Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 North Ave, Haverhill, MA 01830 or to the Carlson Family. Children's Trust, c/op National Grand Bank, 91 Plesant St., Marblehead, MA 01945. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.