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Mary Larsen Obituary
December 22, 1974 - October 1, 2011
Raleigh
Our beloved Mary Joy Funtila Larsen of Raleigh, North Carolina—formerly from Manila, Philippines--passed away on October 1, 2011 at the tender age of 36, shortly after giving birth to a beautiful new daughter, Caitlin. Joy's gentle spirit touched the lives of many, becoming a friend to all she knew. She was a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.
Joy was a passionate and graceful dancer; she was particularly known for her performance of Tinikling, the national dance of the Philippines. She performed for many years with Bayanihan, the National Dance Company of the Philippines. She later cofounded, choreographed and performed with Dagyaw Performing Arts Company in Raleigh, NC. Most recently she choreographed and performed with the PAANC Dance Company. She found great joy in teaching others the dances she so loved and was particularly pleased that her sons, Cade and Ian, performed with her group.
Joy worked for PAREXEL International. She was proud to be involved with developing medicines that could help those who suffered. She enjoyed working with her friends and colleagues. She stayed very active, helping others in many ways, including working with her neighborhood HOA Social Committee, her sons' PTA associations and soccer teams (and other activities), and many others beyond.
She is survived by her husband, Carl Larsen, with whom she shared more than 16 years of her life, as well as her two sons Cade Joseph and Ian Daniel, and newborn daughter Caitlin Marie Joy. She is also survived by her parents, Alfredo and Lou Funtila, sisters Grace, Yvette, and Irene, and brother Tisoy (Alfredo Jr.).
A visitation will be held at Renaissance Funeral Home in Raleigh from 6:00 to 8:00 on Thursday, October 6, 2011.
A second visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:30 on Friday, October 7, 2011 at St. Raphael's Catholic Church followed by a funeral mass at 4:00.
Renaissance Funeral Home is serving the Larsen family and condolences may be made at www.rfhr.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Larsen
Lisa & Vernon Rathbone
October 27, 2011
Dear Carl,
Please accept our sincerest sympathies over your family's great loss. Know that you are in our prayers.
Vern and Lisa Rathbone, St. Ann's parish, Clayton NC
(former RCIA member, St. Raphael's.)
J.D. Baker
October 26, 2011
Carl--
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. May she rest in peace.
"O Lord, give rest to the soul of Thy departed handmaiden, in a place of light, a place of green pasture, a place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing are fled away."
October 12, 2011
Hello Carl,
My condolences to you and your family. May God be with you and your family during this most difficult time to comfort and ease your pains.
Leanna Bui (Dynavax Technologies)
Arvin and Neth
October 7, 2011
Joy was beautiful inside and out.May her beautiful soul rest in peace in the kingdom of God.We will miss her.Our deepest symphaties to you Carl & family.
Bella Sessoms
October 7, 2011
Carl - I am so sorry for your family's loss. Joy was so sweet and always had a smile on her face. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Susan Grimes
October 7, 2011
Joy was great to work with "over the phone". I always enjoyed speaking to her. I never met Joy in person but could tell she was a wonderful person. She is sadly missed.
Jesse and Joy Mabellos
October 6, 2011
We will surely miss Joy. She had touched so many people in her life including our children, Jessica and Josh. They remember her as one of the most passionate teachers of Philippine folk dances. We're honored to have known her. Her loss is felt by all. Carl, you, your boys and your new beautiful baby girl are in our prayers.
Lori Jostes
October 6, 2011
Deepest sympathies to you, Carl.
October 6, 2011
Joy was loved by her co-workers & greatly appreciated. Our thoughts & prayers are with your family at this time of great loss.
Beverly Benningfield
Wanda Freeman
October 6, 2011
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Pamela Butts
October 6, 2011
Carl, my heart goes out to you and the boys in your time of sorrow. Joy was a wonderful co-worker and friend. May God's Grace strengthen your entire family.
Tammi Reed
October 6, 2011
Joy was a wonderful colleague and friend. she was always happy and smiling. She will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dee Stevenson
October 5, 2011
May the family find peace and love knowing that you are home now. Our thoughts and prayers for Carl and sons.
Bren & Darren Hensel
October 5, 2011
My sincere condolences Carl to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
October 5, 2011
We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our hearts here at UCB.
Medical Writing (UCB Raleigh)
Myers' Family
October 5, 2011
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
rick staton
October 5, 2011
I remember Joy for her very kind soul. she always had a smile, and a helping nature about her. My prayers will be with your family.
Irina Gomez
October 5, 2011
"Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality". ~Emily Dickinson.
"Our thoughts and prayers to the Larsen family. We are sorry for your loss." Gomez Family
Bass Family
October 5, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Will continue to pray for everyone.
O'Doherty Family
October 5, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers to Joy and the Larsen family. We are so sorry for your loss.
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