Alice L. Carlson

WORCESTER-Alice L. (Tiderman) Carlson, 87, formerly of West Millbury and Shrewsbury, died Sun., Jan. 28 at St. Vincent Hospital after a long illness. Her beloved husband of 61 years, Sven W. Carlson, died in 2003. She leaves several cousins.

Alice was born in the Quinsigamond Village section of Worcester, the daughter of Axel and Ida (Nelson) Tiderman. She studied accounting at Becker College and worked for several area companies before joining Clark University where she rose to become Comptroller and Assistant Treasurer, retiring after 20 years. Alice was active for over 65 years in the Vasa Order of America, a Swedish-American fraternal organization. She served as chairman of Nordic Lodge %23611 in Worcester, as Master of Massachusetts District Lodge %232 and chairman of the Past District Masters Club. She was the first woman elected as a Grand Lodge officer, serving as Grand Treasurer for 12 years, then as Vice Grand Master and Grand Master. In 1987 she was selected as the Swedish-American of the Year by the Swedish Government and the Swedish Vasa lodges. She also served as Secretary for the Vasa Order of America National Archives and was recognized as Swedish-American Woman of the Year in 1972 by the Swedish-American Historical Society. Her particular interests were the expansion of Vasa scholarship programs and the Sjolunden program, a Swedish cultural immersion experience for young people. She was director of the Swedish Council of America, past chairman and honorary life director of the Swedish National Federation, a corporator of Fairlawn Hospital and one of only two women to be elected as a director of the Swedish Cemetery Corporation in Worcester. She was also a member of Quota International, the Millbury Historical Society, the National Association of Accountants and the International Order of Good Templars.

The funeral will be Saturday, February 10th at 11:00 AM in LINDQUIST LUNDIN FUNERAL HOME, 36 Butler St., Worcester. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Swedish National Federation Scholarship Fund, c/o Greater Worcester Community Foundation, 370 Main St., Worcester, MA 01608. For directions and online condolence book please visit www.lindquistlundin.com