Mary Bridget Carlson
BAY VIEW, MILWAUKEE - Mary Bridget Carlson (née Brannon) passed away March 1st, 2024. She was born September 20th, 1951, in Sumner, Iowa, and raised in Bay View, Milwaukee. She was the third oldest and the oldest girl among her 12 siblings, whom she loved spending time throughout her life.
Mary’s upbringing was rooted in justice and a deep sense of community. Her parents’ dedication to their family and community instilled in Mary a sense of responsibility and a passion for caring for others.
After graduating from Mercy High School in 1969, Mary pursued her education at Cardinal Stritch College, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in teaching in 1972. In 1980, Mary started to attend Milwaukee County General Hospital School of Nursing where she became a registered nurse, a decision that would shape her lifelong career.
Mary’s professional journey was marked by her dedication to nursing and public health. She began her nursing career at the county hospital, working tirelessly on the critical care ward for ten years. Always one for continuing education, Mary returned to Cardinal Stritch to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1989, which allowed her to transition to public health, followed by fifteen years with Visiting Nurses of Wisconsin.
Before hanging up her stethoscope, Mary returned to what was County Hospital but now, the Medical College at Froedtert to work in the infectious disease clinic. Mary’s commitment to her patients and her expertise in the field made her a respected figure in the medical community.
Mary married the love of her life, David Carlson, in 1975. Their nearly forty-four years of marriage were filled with love, laughter, and memories made in Bay View: a community to which they felt so connected that they raised their beloved daughter Lyndsey Megan there.
Outside of her professional and family life, Mary found joy in reading, volunteering, attending theater and traveling with David. She was an avid reader, a dedicated volunteer, and a natural community builder who brought people together wherever she went.
Mary’s memory will forever be cherished by her daughter Lyndsey Megan Ruhland (Dave), her siblings Tom, Mike (Marie), Ann (Russ), Barb (Gary), King (Sheri), John (Therese), Colleen (Bob), Glenn, and Georgann, as well as her numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. In addition, she will be truly missed by her community of friends and people she loved as family.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Angela Brannon, husband David and brothers James, Bernard and Phil (the late Rose) and many friends.
In honoring Mary’s life, let us remember her kindness, compassion, sense of humor and dedication to making the world a better place. She will be deeply missed but will live on in those who love her.
A memorial service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission or Brady East Side Clinic. Both of these organizations are where Mary gave both time and financially.