Joyce Larson
November 07, 1935 - September 01, 2012
Obituary
MADISON/MUSCODA – Joyce Muller Larson, age 76, left this world on Saturday, Sept. 1 2012, peacefully, at home with her family. She was born on Nov. 7, 1935, in Muscoda, the daughter of Leo and Frances (Snoeyenbos) Muller. She was a depression-era baby, the youngest daughter of a youngest daughter, a tomboy who taught her children and grandchildren to climb trees, look for adventures and live fully. She showed true grit in the face of much adversity, intelligent problem solving, interest in the arts, devotion and helpfulness toward so many people and causes including PFLAG, SAS, her church, the Oregon Food Pantry and gay/human rights. She loved canoeing, biking, reading, music, her friends and helping others. Joyce received a BA and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and maintained a lifelong love of learning. She worked for various organizations including the State of Wisconsin for many years and owned VIP Duplicating Services. She wanted to leave the world a better place and we believe that she has done so. Joyce is survived by her son, Andrew Morgan Larson of San Francisco, CA; daughters, Ellen (Allan) Bernards of Madison and Mary (Brent Marlowe) Larson-Marlowe of Hopkinton, MA; grandson, Zachary Marlowe; granddaughters, Elisabeth, Alicia and Emily Bernards and Bailey Marlowe; sister, Dr. Patricia Muller of LaCrosse; brother, Richard (Sally) Muller of Bettendorf, IA; nieces and nephews, Sara, Susan, Jeff, Hadie, Susan, Sharon and Steven; and sisters-in-law, Joan Vilven and Carol Maddux, both of Farmington, NM. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Carol Hough; and former husband, Robert A. Larson. Funeral services will be held at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 408 N. Bergamont Blvd. Oregon, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, www.fpcoregon.org , with the Rev. Le Anne Clausen de Montes presiding. Burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held at the church from 1 pm until the time of service on Saturday. Memorials may be made to Second Harvest www.secondharvestmadison.org . Special thanks to the Agrace HospiceCare Team, Kristin and Ann and to caregiver, Cassie who made the journey easier for all of us.
Memorials may be made to Second Harvest www.secondharvestmadison.org .
Visitation will be held at the church from 1 pm until the time of service on Saturday.
Funeral services will be held at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 408 N. Bergamont Blvd. Oregon, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, www.fpcoregon.org , with the Rev. Le Anne Clausen de Montes presiding.
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Memories
RM
Reggie Matzke
Other •
Ellen, Andy and Mary: Our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your mother. She was a strong woman, a true friend and did so many things for the good of others.
PS
Pam (Klimke) Shufelt
Other •
I remember Joyce being a fun mom of my friend Ellen. We went to Ella's Deli for hot cocoa after watching a community play of Williamson Street in Madison. Although I have lost touch with all of the family I think of all of them from time to time. Joyce made an impact on my life, as did her children. Ellen, Andy and Mary all a part of my first wedding.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all and my sorrow for your loss. Just remember, she's only a whisper away...
CK
Cecilia Krueger
Other •
Ellie,
I am so sad to hear you lost your mom. I was so glad you had her with you when you visited us in remote Idaho. My biggest memory of your mom is that she and my dad were politically polar opposites and it made for some interesting moments. :o)
Blessings,
Cec
AU
Anne Urbanski
Other •
I met Joyce a few times through the PFLAG group in Madison. She was always very kind and friendly. She was a mainstay of the PFLAG group for many years, and I know her many friends there will miss her greatly.
MS
Marge Sutinen
Other •
Dear Family, I want you to know that Joyce was such a delight to work with back in the late 90's. At that time I was the director of the Madison AIDS Support Network (now AIDS Network) and Joyce was one of the first volunteers to join us. She was willing to do anything: answer phones, send thank you notes, support an infected person, visit the hospital, bring food to the sick, or just be present to support any and all of us. In those days (daze) it was pretty overwhelming to go to work, many were sick, lots were dying and there was very little help for us financially, emotionally or medically. So we just all pulled together to make it through the days. Joyce was always a bright light and solid support for countless staff and clients. She now deserves the rest she has earned and altho we will miss her presence, she no doubt left her mark with many of us forever.
May she rest in peace, Marge Sutinen, Director of the Midwest AIDS Training & Education Center, UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health.