Ingrid Carlson

Elizabeth Ingrid Carlson or “Ingrid”, as she was known by all who knew her, died gracefully in the presence of her son and daughter late Monday night the 8th of October after a serious struggle with some infections.   Ingrid was born in Baltimore and lived in or near the city for much of her life.

Ingrid graduated from Garrison Forest School in Baltimore and went on to Mary Baldwin College in Virginia for her Bachelor’s degree Theological Studies.  She then proceeded to Columbia University in New York City and received her Master’s degree in Library Science.  She worked in the library field for many years upgrading and automating many of public and private libraries in the Mid-Atlantic from manual card systems to some of the first automated and computerized systems in the country. She ended her career as Libraries were integrating search systems amongst facilities and connecting with the newly established internet. 

Towards the end of her career she decided to follow her true passion and return to art. Like her mother Cleo Mansfield Carlson before her, she became a highly respected portrait painter. Her work continued, and she expanded her skills and studies at the Schuler School of fine arts.  There she was able to refine her work in oils and learned the skills of the Old Masters starting at the first steps of pigment preparation, baking of paints, through to layered techniques.  She also refined her work in water colors at this period and produced the larger volume of her work that went on sale at local galleries and shows.  

Ingrid was an avid traveler throughout her life, traveling to many places in the world. She was most fond of an extended trip to Florence where she lived in the hills surrounding the city for the better part of a year.  She immersed herself with Renaissance period art and culture to better understand the artists of the time.  She was also an avid reader and music lover and could be found many nights at the opera or symphony.

Ingrid’s partner of the past 19 years, Martin O’Neil passed away just over 5 weeks ago, an event which broke her heart.  For those who knew the couple, the closeness of their passing was not unexpected. For the past several years Martin would sit by Ingrid’s side daily for up to 8 hours just holding hands and recounting life’s times.  Upon entering the Hospital, Ingrid was asked by the staff where she lived, and she responded.  “I live with the love of my life and the most wonderful man”.

Ingrid was loved by all for her caring, compassionate nature as well as her great sense of humor.  She brought peace, joy, and laughter to those who surrounded her and cared for her.

Ingrid Carlson; beloved companion of the late Martin P. O'Neil; devoted mother of Karen Welsko and her husband Mark, and David Heroy and his wife Erica; cherished grandmother of Joseph and Anna Welsko and Cleo and Marion Heroy; loving sister of Albert William David Carlson Jr.; cherished daughter of the late Albert William David Carlson and the late Cleo Carlson (nee Mansfield).

A family graveside service will be held at Druid Ridge Cemetery, 7900 Park Heights Avenue, Pikesville, MD. 21208 on Friday at 9:30am. A service will be at held at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, 711 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD. 21228 on Friday at 11am. Interment Druid Ridge Cemetery.

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