Damsgaard, Patsy Rae (nee Carlson)- passed from this life on August 17, 2014

Beloved wife of Conrad for 58 years, mother of Susan Damsgaard-Brand, Kris Damsgaard, and Beth Damsgaard-Rodriguez (Romain). Attentive and loving grandmother to Zachary and Rachel Brand, Jacob and Anna Rodriguez

Pat had a rich life filled with love and laughter. She lived out her passions through dedication to her art and education.

She served as a legal secretary after receiving a BA in history from Illinois College.

She was a committed art teacher in various settings including; Parkway South Junior High school, Parkway Continuing Education, the St. Louis Artist Guild, Spring Branch Continuing Education in Houston and private lessons.

Throughout the years earned many awards in art competitions, in juried and open shows that included national and international entries. She was a signature member of St. Louis Watercolor Society, Society of Watercolor Artists, and Houston Watercolor Society (which covered 14 states). Also part of Casa Tavanoti-Watercolor in Houston, and the St. Louis Artist Association. Her art hangs in many national and international homes, in the Ivy Chapel UCC sanctuary (where she served as Moderator), Pilgrim Congregational UCC, Illinois College buildings and corporate offices in Houston, Texas.

Dedicated to her alma mater Illinois College in Jacksonville, Ill she served as; Alumni secretary in 1957, Board of Trustees 1996-2004, Board Emeritus 2005 to present. Established the Carlson-Damsgaard Art Scholarship to recognize outstanding talent. Her dedication was recognized with the Distinguished Citizen Award in 1981 and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane letters in 2004.

She learned Italian to better explore her genealogy and made several trips to Italy alone and with daughters to find ancestral villages and homes.

In later years, Pat devoted her time to her art, genealogy, beloved felines, and family. She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Rachel Carlson, and by her sister LaVerne Carlson.

Services: Visitation will be Friday, August 22 from 6:00pm-8:00 pm at Parkway United Church of ChristC, 2841 N. Ballas, Town and Country, 63131. Memorial Service will be on August 23, 2014 at 10:00 am at Parkway UCC. Contributions can be made to The Carlson-Damsgaard Art Scholarship at Illinois College, 1100 West College Ave, Jacksonville, Illinois 62650; or the American Cancer Society.