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Janet Charlotte Carlson Nicholas
08/19/2026

Janet Charlotte Carlson Nicholas, 95, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her beloved children, on August 19, 2026.

Born on September 8, 1930, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Janet was the daughter of the late Dr. Walter Carlson and Charlotte Thaung Carlson. She grew up in a close-knit, Swedish American  family with eight brothers and sisters: Jean, Jerry, John, Jim, Judy, Joyce, Jeff, and Petie (Juliann). Family was always central to Janet’s life. Despite her siblings living across the country, she stayed in close contact with them, often spending evenings in her recliner enjoying long phone conversations, catching up on their lives. She also cherished her many nieces and nephews and the relationships she shared with them.

In 1964, Janet married the love of her life, Gene D. Nicholas. They shared 30 wonderful years together until Gene’s passing in December 1994. After his death, she remained close to his siblings and their families, who continued to be an important part of her life.

Janet was devoted to her children, Kay Nicholas Guillot and Buck W. Nicholas, and took great pride in their lives and accomplishments. She shared a special bond with her daughter-in-law, Lori, and adored her four grandchildren, Alex Nicholas, Paige Nicholas, Pierre Guillot, and Jeanne Guillot. She remained actively involved in their lives, always ready to help and happiest when surrounded by family. She treasured her many trips to France, where she enjoyed quality time with her daughter Kay, son-in-law Roland, and their children.

Janet had a natural talent in the kitchen and loved cooking and, especially, baking for her family. A gracious hostess, she enjoyed bringing people together and carrying on holiday food traditions, including her famous strawberry pie, her Swedish rusks, and her Christmas Chex mix. She was an accomplished bridge player who loved a lively game with family and friends. A devoted sports fan, Janet followed sports enthusiastically and took great pleasure in cheering on her children and grandchildren throughout their years of competition.

Janet is survived by her son, Buck, and his wife, Lori (Dilcher), of Allentown; her daughter, Kay, and her husband, Roland (Guillot), of La Clayette, France; her four grandchildren; her sisters, Joyce and Petie; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Janet will be remembered for her warmth, love, and one-of-a-kind spirit. She made friends wherever she went and genuinely enjoyed listening to people’s stories and getting to know them. Full of life, Janet loved celebrating with the people closest to her, sharing laughs, making memories, and simply being together. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A private family gathering will take place at a later date. Those who wish to honor Janet’s memory are welcome to send a contribution in her name to Lehigh Valley Hospice at Lehigh Valley Health Network.