Mary Virginia Larsen

On the morning of Sunday, September 8, 2024, Mary Virginia Larsen, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. Whether you knew her as Ginny, Deanie, Dean Bean, Mean Dean, Mom or Granny, she was simply an amazing human being. Anyone who crossed her path was considered a friend. Those who opened their hearts to her became family. She loved to laugh; she enjoyed a good glass of bubbly, and was filled with adventure by chasing garage sale signs to find her next treasure to add to her collection. And we cannot forget her love for her many dogs she had over the years (as well as the hodge podge of pets her kids brought home with the pleading promise to feed them, and walk them, and clean up after them…we all know the end to that story) but mom gave them all a happy home.

She was born on November 24, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Tom and Edna (Whelan) Lester who preceded her in death. She valiantly battled Alzheimer’s, which most know is a brain disorder that causes a gradual decline in memory, thinking, speech and other skills. I think it's important to share her battle and message that if you are dealing with this, you are not alone. Although this disease is known to deplete the essence of who a person is, her ability to find joy in the simple things in life, carried her spirit through her journey and was apparent to those of us who walked this path with her, with love and compassion.

As a young girl, mom found joy in ice skating and dancing. As a young woman, her beauty landed her the title of Wenatchee’s Cherry Pie Queen and placed her as a one of several candidates in her community for the Mrs. America Contest. Her passion for gardening was apparent in her beautiful yard and beloved sunroom at her Mercer Island home of more than 55 years. Her home studio afforded her the time and space for painting, sculpting, wedding flower arrangements and leaded glass to name a few of her many talents. When not working in her garden or in her studio, she spent time at her mountain cabin in Easton with a community of people she called family. She also enjoyed her time volunteering (and shopping) at the Mercer Island Thrift Store.

Mom leaves behind her son, Paul Cordell; daughter Nedra (Cordell) Mires & son-in-law Dick Mires; daughter Becky (Larsen) Beasley and son-in-law Brennan Beasley; Sue (Larsen) and Brent Knight; Grant & Marci Larsen and Kurt Larsen. Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Richard W. Larsen and her sister Mardell (Whalen) McDonald. Her love extended to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren who are too numerous to name (lucky lady!).

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association are appreciated. We would also request anyone who has memories or stories to share and please post those here. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Thank you to all who loved her as fiercely as her family.