Cecelia "Carlson" Esther Dominion

Cecelia Esther (Carlson) Dominion, 92, died January 12, 2005 at Mother Joseph Care Center in Olympia, Washington. The daughter of Axel W. and Emma V. Carlson, she was born October 6, 1912 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. A memorial service will be held at Mother Joseph Care Center in Olympia, Washington, then later this year she will be inurned at North Shore Memory Gardens north of Benton Harbor, Michigan where another memorial service will be held. Cecelia was a graduate of Benton Harbor High School and she also attended the local community college. During WW II (1940's) she moved to Brooklyn, New York where she was employed by the U.S. Navy Dept., and in a munitions plant in Bangor, Michigan. Later she returned to Benton Harbor where she enjoyed her work as a dental assistant for several years. She also worked at V-M Corporation. Cecelia was an active member of The U.S. Navy Mother's Club during the Korean War era, supporting the efforts of her son, Richard "Mac" McLean, who served four years in the U.S. Navy, followed by service in the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne. She was a proud mom! She was also a member of the Saron Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, Michigan and the Swedish Vasa Lodge, Benton Harbor, Michigan. Cecelia is survived by her two daughters, Esther "Mickey" (McLean) Prindle of Jamestown, North Dakota, and Victoria A. (Barrett) McQuade of Olympia, Washington, and eleven grandchildren, Scott and Michael McLean of Coloma, Michigan, Beth (McLean) Helms of Western Springs, Illinois, Keith McLean of Stevensville, Michigan, Leslie (Cole) Nelson of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Patrick Axtell of Springerville, Arizonia, Thomas, Jeffery, Michael Jackson, Douglas Krziske, and Michelle Jenkins of Olympia, Washington. She was also blessed with eighteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Axel W. and Emma V. Carlson of Benton Harbor, Michigan, her husband, William Dominion of Benton Harbor, Michigan, her son, Richard D. McLean (Aug. 2004) of Coloma, Michigan, her sister, Florence V. Cook of Benton Harbor, Michigan, and her brother, Carl Victor Carlson, of Flint, Michigan. Cecelia was warm, caring, and extremely talented. She created many wonderful things for all to enjoy, from clever inventions to prize winning floats for the Blossom Parades. She enjoyed music and dance, and loved to sing and write. She taught all the value of the simple things in life and to behold all of God's creations. She had a beautiful smile and brought joy to everyone. She always managed to care for others less fortunate. She especially loved the children and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.