Barbara R. Carlsen, age 91, passed away peacefully at Artis Health on Wednesday, October 14th with her loving children by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late George Carlsen, with whom she had shared over 62 wonderful years of marriage, prior to his passing in 2020.

Born in Winthrop, MA on April 16, 1935, she was the only child to the late Christopher and Alice Jannini. Barbara was raised in East Boston, and graduated from East Boston High School. Growing up, she always said she would never marry anyone from East Boston, but met the love of her life, George, at a football game when he sat on her foot. The two went on a few dates before George left for military service, and they went their separate ways. When he returned home, his mother encouraged him to give Barbara a call, and the two began dating again. On October 19, 1957, Barbara did the very thing she had always said she would never do—she married a man from East Boston.

Barbara and George settled in Winthrop to start their family, before purchasing their first home in Burlington while their children were still young. Together, they raised their children in a home filled with love, support, and compassion. Barbara stayed home with them during their younger years, serving as a devoted, adoring, and constant source of guidance throughout their lives. She was truly selfless to her core, a quality that shone through in the way she cared for her husband, children, and later, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

When her grandchildren arrived, Barbara was just as loving and devoted a presence in their lives. Whether she and George were attending school or sporting events or heading out on their annual back-to-school shopping trips, there was always fun to be had whenever they were together.

In their free time, Barbara and George loved to travel whenever they could. She often accompanied George on trips to the West Coast for his job and enjoyed many leisurely getaways to Las Vegas. But Barbara's absolute favorite destination was Graceland. She and George made the trip to Graceland eleven times, and each visit held a special place in her heart. She was a devoted Elvis fan, and those trips were among her most cherished adventures.

Wherever life took her, one thing was always certain: if the sun was shining, Barbara could be found sunbathing whenever she had the chance. She also loved staying active and made it a priority to keep moving well into her 80’s. She especially looked forward to daily walks around Burlington with her daughter, always ending with a conversation and a cup of coffee. A good cup of coffee and a muffin remained one of life's simple pleasures for Barbara throughout her life.

Above all else, Barbara will be remembered for her generous nature, deep-rooted kindness, and remarkable ability to make the people she loved feel seen, heard, and valued. Her unwavering devotion to her family and the warmth she brought to those around her will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Surviving Barbara are her adoring children, Brenda Driscoll and her husband Dan of Woburn, George “Chris” Carlsen and his wife Tracy of Winthrop, and Rita MacKinnon and her husband Don of Easton; her cherished grandchildren, Lauren Patten and her husband Bryon of Wilmington, Daniel “Danny” Driscoll and his wife Kelsey of N. Reading, David MacKinnon and his wife Jordan of TX, and Robert MacKinnon of VA; her dear great-grandchildren, Logan and Landon Patten, Jaxon, Kinsley and Brayden Driscoll, and Callum and Cole MacKinnon.

Relatives and friends are invited to Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden, Ma, November 7th at 11 am.