SKOWHEGAN – Herman Adrian Carlstrom, 71, and his beloved wife, Roberta Ann Carlstrom, 65, of Jay, died together in a car accident on July 2, on their way to their vacation home in Aroostook County.

Herman, the son of Herman and Edythe (Anderson) Carlstrom, was born Nov. 11, 1933, in Stockholm. After graduating from Caribou High School in 1951, he served two years of active duty in the U.S. Army.

He continued his education at Aroostook State Teacher’s College, now the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and the University of Maine at Orono, receiving a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.

He had a long career as a teacher and counselor in various Maine towns, before finishing his career as guidance counselor for Jay Middle School.

Roberta Cushman, daughter of Robert and Pearl (Hinkley) Cushman, was born Nov. 8, 1939, in East Corinth. The 1958 valedictorian of East Corinth Academy, she continued her education at the Aroostook State Teacher’s College, now the University of Maine at Presque Isle, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education.

She touched the lives of countless students for 30 years in the Jay school system.

Herman and Roberta, college sweethearts, were married on June 12, 1965, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church of Bangor. To celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary last month, they returned to the church where they had the distinction of being the first couple married there.

Since starting their own family soon thereafter, they were loving and devoted parents to their three children who will miss them greatly.

Herman had a lifelong love of photography, capturing over 100 weddings for couples all over the state. An avid collector of music and memorabilia, he enjoyed gardening, and donated countless hours to both the Jay and Stockholm Historical Societies.

Roberta expressed her creativity by writing thoughtful poems and scrapbooking. She was an advanced scrabble player and her kindness to others was evident in her reading to preschoolers, as well as volunteering for a literacy program.

Together they shared their passion for music by playing piano for the elderly at Sandy River Nursing Care Center, Farmington, every Tuesday. They also enjoyed many road trips around the U.S. as well as visiting and hosting many garage sales. The close friendships they maintained with neighbors and former classmates were one of the great joys of their lives.

They are survived by their children, Christina of Portland, and Sonja and Eric, both of Boston, Mass.; Herman’s sister and best friend, Cathy Cleaves of Liberty; Herman’s brother, Marshall Carlstrom and his wife, Stella, of Presque Isle; Herman’s brother-in-law, Ronald Lennon of Dixmont; and Roberta’s brother, Robert of Pennsylvania.

They were predeceased by their parents; Herman’s sisters, Anne Lennon and Helen Carlstrom; and Roberta’s brother, Frederick Cushman.

The couple remained deeply in love throughout their 40 years of marriage, and their close relationship was an inspiration to their children and all who knew them.

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