Obituary of Marilyn Gladys Larson

Marilyn Larson, a woman of incredible grace, intelligence and courage, and blessed as an Ingrid Bergman look-alike, passed away on January 5, 2012 as a result of injuries sustained in a fall on Thanksgiving Day. Truly unique, she was 89 years of age with an encompassing mind, equally filled with the wisdom of age and the freshness of an ongoing search for the fair adventure of each tomorrow. The daughter of Joseph Knox and Gladys Donnelly of Sacramento she grew up on a ranch on the Sacramento River near Knight's Landing. Marilyn was not a farm girl. She felt constantly harassed by wandering mules and setting hens, each of which she equally despised. Marilyn attended a one-room school in Knight's Landing through the 8th grade, but her triumph was each summertime when, from the age of two, she was privileged to spend the summer months in Seabright, at the vacation home of her adored maternal Grandmother, Susie Donnelly. Seabright remained a beloved haven and anchor for her throughout her entire life. Forsaking the rural life, Marilyn attended High School in Sacramento from which she graduated in June of 1940. Following graduation, she enrolled at Heald's Business College and her adjunct activities included a stint as President of the Omega Nu Sorority. With war in the wings, at the age of twenty, she joined the United States Navy to serve in World War II. Marilyn was stationed at Stillwater Oklahoma as a participant in early studies of drone aircraft. Later, she saw overseas duty in Hawaii as a member of the Admiral's Staff. She took justifiable pride in her military service, which was a rather unique pursuit for women during the course of the war. Marilyn was discharged from the Navy in November of 1945 and returned to Sacramento where she was employed as a secretary by the Sacramento City School District. Seeking broader experience, she accepted a yearlong contract to serve as a secretary for the US Army of Occupation in Tokyo, Japan. During this time she traveled extensively through the country. Returning to Seattle, she met and married Ed Larson, beginning a union, which would last for 62 years. Marilyn and Ed spent their early-married years in Sacramento where they both attended California State University Sacramento, each receiving degrees from that institution. Marilyn was subsequently employed as an adult education and Social Science teacher in the San Juan Unified School District where Ed also served as a district administrator. Upon their retirement, Marilyn and Ed settled in her beloved Santa Cruz. She soon became active in the Newcomers Club of Santa Cruz where she served as President and an ongoing member of the board. She was a member of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. Marilyn wrote a number of articles on the history of the Seabright neighborhood for their newsletter. Marilyn also was a regular volunteer in the local elementary schools which her grandchildren attended. Marilyn and Ed had one daughter, Tina Sue Pokorny of Santa Cruz, and two granddaughters, Jennifer Lynn Nolin of Evans, Georgia, and Patricia Susan Moore of North Plains, Oregon. Great grandchildren number four, and include Lillian, Jodie, and Makena Moore, and the soon expected Harrison Edward Knox Nolin. Marilyn's other survivors include her sister Carolyn Knox Greene of Aptos, cousins Caroline Zlotnick of Palo Alto, Diane Orr of Adelaide, South Australia, Harry Dixon of Oakland, Charles Dixon and Kenneth Woodward of Santa Cruz, and James Raney of Carmichael, California. A local celebration of Marilyn's life will be planned in the near future. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favorite charity. The response to Marilyn's passing has been overwhelming. The writings of our dear friends have indicated the deep regard in which she was held and in the deep wisdom and caring she extended to all who knew her. As a family we are humbled and deeply thankful to all who have expressed their admiration of this stunningly lovely person. She was a woman of consummate love and compassion and though she will be sorely missed by her myriad friends and adoring family, we revel in the triumph of her life.