Carol Ann Carlson, 67, of Wellesley, passed away peacefully from heart complications, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1958 to Delbert and Shirley McCullough, Carol was one of five children. She earned her B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Iowa, graduating with High Distinctions, and was active in the Delta Delta Delta Sorority and the Mortar Board honor society.

In 1981, Carol married her college sweetheart, Steven W. Carlson, and they began their life together in Houston, Texas. They were blessed with two daughters, Katherine Ann and Kristina Nicole, who were her greatest pride.

A dedicated CPA, Carol built a 36-year career with Ernst & Young, becoming the first female Partner in the Houston office at age 31. The family later moved to Needham, MA, in 2002, after Carol became EY's Managing Partner of Audit for John Hancock. Carol continued to serve in various leadership roles at EY and was a mentor and advocate for women in the profession, helping many balance career and family.

In retirement, she served on the boards of National Life Group, M Financial Group, and the Wellesley Free Library Foundation, and was active in the Carter Memorial United Methodist in Needham. Carol's greatest love was for her family and friends. She was quick to smile, laugh, and light up the room with her zest for life. She enjoyed traveling, dining out, reading, cooking, exercise classes, word games, boating, dancing, long walks, and cozy evenings by the fireplace.

She is survived by her mother, Shirley McCullough; her husband, Steve; her daughters, Katherine Ann (Raz Galian) and Kristina Nicole (Jack Wolff); granddaughters, Laleh Ann and Kaia Scott Galian; sister, Mary (Mark Witherall); brothers, Jack McCullough (Lynn) and Jim McCullough; sister-in-law, Cathy McCullough; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was predeceased by her father, Delbert McCullough, and brother, Mike McCullough.

Visitation will be held Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 1-4pm at the Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 56 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481. A memorial service will be held Monday, August 11, 2025 at 10:30am at Carter Memorial United Methodist Church, 800 Highland Ave, Needham, MA 02494 and livestreamed at https://youtube.com/live/acjKn4cSpUQ?feature=share. A private burial service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, Carol would be happiest if you gave to her favorite charities:
The Trustees at https://thetrustees.org
National Public Broadcasting at https://donate.wgbh.org