|
Esther Longwood Larson, 92, beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, friend, died peacefully of natural causes at the home of Will and Beth Larson, her son and daughter-in-law (Cedar Crest, NM) on October 3, 2006. Mrs. Larson was born on December 3, 1913 at the homestead ranch of her parents in Lemmon, SD. She received a teaching degree from South Dakota State College and taught in her home state. She married Helmer Olaf Larson (deceased, 1996) in 1942. After relocating in Albuquerque because of health concerns, they reared their three children and pursued a very active life in their new Southwestern home; but Mrs. Larson's Midwestern roots were extremely important to her and she remained very connected to her family throughout her life. She received a graduate degree in history from UNM; she taught at Albuquerque High and Garfield Middle Schools. Mrs. Larson was among the first staff at Manzano High, where she was instrumental in developing the very rigorous Humanities program. She retired in 1974. Mrs. Larson was very involved at St. Paul Lutheran Church. She was devoted to social ministry, and was passionate about the work of The Storehouse. She also served as a very active officer of the church council and Lutheran Church Women and as a Sunday school teacher and member of many committees. After retirement, her involvement in a painting class at her church encouraged a lifelong artistic talent; with great attention to detail, she painted Southwestern and prairie scenes that have delighted her family. Mrs. Larson was predeceased by three brothers and three sisters. She is survived by her children, William and wife, Beth of Cedar Crest; John and wife, Linda of Piscataway, NJ; Marie and husband, William Shafer of Oreland, PA. Her devoted grandchildren are William Larson II and wife, Lisa Collins of Albuquerque; Erin and husband, Steve Reil of Albuquerque; Lauren and husband, Martin Hurley and Donald and wife, Lisa Sullivan of New Jersey; William Shafer IV, John and wife, Karla Shafer of Pennsylvania; and Kristina and husband, Drew Gonser of Delaware. Great-grandchildren are Megan, Kiley, and Natalie Reil; Casey, Owen, Brendyn, and Gemma Hurley; Nicole Sullivan; Fiona Shafer; Jack, Sophia, Ella, and Samuel Gonser. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews across the country. All have been inspired by the faith, courage, and humble strength of this dear woman. Mrs. Larson will be remembered for her gracious and loving hospitality to all and for her intelligent, caring ways. Her sense of humor, punctuated by a twinkle in her eye and wonderful laughter, was joyful. Esther's influence upon her many students, her church family and friends, and her very devoted family will be celebrated on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. with a Memorial Service of thanksgiving for her life at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, 87102. The family requests that any memorial remembrances be made in her name to the church or to The Storehouse, 103 Broadway SE, Albuquerque, 87102. French Mortuary, Inc. 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
|
