Irene Larson

LARSON
Irene Campbell Larson
June 4, 1927-June 1, 2014

Irene Campbell Larson, age 86, was called home by the Lord on Sunday, June 1, 2014 in San Antonio.

She was born on June 4, 1927 in Beckley, West Virginia to Nina and Charles Henry Campbell. The youngest daughter of a coal miner, she moved with her family to Amherst County, Virginia, where her parents were born. She moved to Alexandria, Virginia in her teens, where she began working as a real-life "rivet girl" in a torpedo factory, supporting the WWII effort. She also spent much of her time as a hostess at the Fort Belvoir USO, where her ever-present smile and warm personality were enjoyed by everyone she encountered.

Irene met Wallace Larson during WWII at the USO in Alexandria, Virginia and they were married shortly after. After the war, the Larsons relocated to San Antonio, where they started their family. Irene had two children, Mark and Deborah, while Wallace attended veterinary school at Texas A&M University. After Wallace's graduation, the family moved to San Antonio where the youngest three children, Eric, Lynn and Lyle, were born. Irene worked tirelessly to raise five children while staying active in the community. Throughout the 1960s, Irene volunteered as a Blue Bird at the San Antonio Methodist Hospital, served on the Women's Auxiliary to the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, and belonged to San Antonio Delphian Chapter.

In the 1970s, Irene returned to Virginia where she began her 20 year career with the American Red Cross, assisting soldiers in emergency situations who needed to get back to the U.S. quickly. After she retired, she returned to San Antonio to be close to her growing family. Irene's ever-enduring energy wouldn't allow her to fully retire, however, so she worked part-time for her youngest son's business.

Irene made friends everywhere she went, thanks to her glowing personality, positivity, and remarkable wit. She always had a giving heart and never met a stranger. A woman of faith, she was a longtime member of the Northern Hills Methodist Church in San Antonio. Irene was also a member of the Bexar County Republican Women's Club and the San Pedro Hills Women's Club.

Most of all, Irene was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and cousin. She was the rock of the Larson family and epitomized unconditional love. Irene had the soul of an angel and dedicated her life to helping her children and anyone in need.

She is preceded in death by her parents and six brothers and sisters.

Irene is survived by her five loving children Mark Larson, Eric and wife Mary Beth Larson of San Antonio, Texas; Deborah Larson Bell and husband Joe of Gilmer, Texas; Lynn Larson Bowling of Amherst, Virginia; and Lyle Larson of San Antonio; nine wonderful grandchildren Josh, Sarah, Leah, Sarah Katherine, Erica, Erin, Justin, Nina, and Casey; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North, located at 2102 North Loop 1604 E in San Antonio, Texas 78232.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Refuge International www.refugeinternational.com