Leticia S. Carlson

Leticia S. Carlson peacefully passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021 after 81 years.

Born November 18, 1939 in Cavite, Philippines, Leticia grew up as WWII began, just outside Manila and remembers her Navy retiree father being accused, arrested and executed by the Japanese as a U.S. spy not long before the war ended.

In 1962, she became the first in her family to leave for a better life, flying a half-world away, to start a career as a medical technician, then earning her Washburn University nursing degree.

After stops in Ontario and Illinois, she met future husband Roger, settling in Ann Arbor, MI, working nights as he finished his studies. Re-settling in Topeka, KS in 1976, both eventually retired to a Wakarusa, KS house of their own unique creation.

Always curious with a sense of adventure, she loved cooking and baking- a self-taught and life-long passion; traveling; games of chance; style; and her personal relationship with God.  She treasured  the connections with family, friends, and nursing co-workers, also volunteering at numerous places, including Topeka Civic Theatre.

Survived by four children: John; Kristopher (wife Amber); Kimberly (partner Elvis); and Ryan (wife Shauna); seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and three siblings.  Preceded in death by her husband of forty-seven years Roger, sisters Amelia Basco and Soledad Roses, and parents Socorro and Luciano Ramirez.

Per her explicit wishes, the family planned a cremation (via Midwest Cremation Society) with private service following. In lieu of flowers, consider donating in her memory, to The Philippine Nurses Association of America