Virginia Marie Larson, age 97, passed away Oct. 30, 2013, in Portland, after a brief illness. She was born Sept. 24, 1916, in Portland, to Alfred John Larson, of Denmark, and the Scotch-Irish Cornelia "Cora" Theresa Craig of Iowa. A devout Catholic, Virginia was a member of All Saint's Parish, tithed generously and actively engaged in church and community leadership opportunities throughout her life. She volunteered with her home parish, Saint André Bessette's (downtown chapel), the St. Francis Dining Hall and St. Vincent de Paul. She attended the St. Francis and Immaculata Academy schools (class of 1934) before earning business certificates from Marylhurst College. She always praised the nuns for her impeccable penmanship, which she maintained until the end. As a girl, Virginia enjoyed reading, music and the arts. She played violin and piano and performed in a number of plays throughout her school-age years. She worked as a stenographer, stock brokerage clerk and for the United States Postal and Forest Services, before retiring in 1978. Later, she reveled in travel, gardening and exercise. She traveled extensively throughout North America and Europe. She walked, tirelessly, throughout her life and swam at the Northeast YMCA well into her 80s. She was a member of the NRA, Multnomah County Civic Club, Navy League of the United States, the Scan Oregon Lodge and the Scandinavian Heritage Foundation. She recalled many changes in Portland: the opening of Blue Lake Park in 1925, her aunt taking her to the new Hollywood Theatre in 1926 and Jantzen Beach in 1928. She marveled at the opening of the St. John's Bridge in 1931 and lamented the loss of Portland's extensive street car system by 1950. Virginia will be greatly missed by her family, friends and neighbors. She was pre-deceased by her parents; brother, Leo Chester Larson (Jeane); nephew, Thomas M. Larson; niece, Carol J. Henselman (Thomas); and grandnephew, Matthew R. Hawes. Survivors include: numerous nieces and nephews, Leo A. Larson (Sudie), Suzanne M. Hawes (Paul), John C. Larson (Cheryl), Joseph M. Larson and Gloria A. Miken (Joe); grandnieces and nephews, Michael, David, Laurie, Ronald, Tony Lee, Teresa, Steven, Vincent, Melissa, Christine, Tanya, John Jr., Matthew and Rebecca; great-nieces and nephews, Kyle, Derek, Nicholas, Amanda, Devin, Chelsea, Samuel, Isabelle, Jordan, Stephanie, Roma, Emma, Timothy, Samantha, Travis, Victoria, Natalie, Sydney, Derek, Thomas, Andrew, Holly, Donovan, Nicole, Samantha, Ryan, Jasmine, Jordan, Hayley and Thomas; and great-great- grandniece, Lila.

Rosary and Mass was held at All Saints Catholic Church in Portland.

Committal followed in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Portland.

Published in The Oregonian on Nov. 3, 2013