Joanne Louise Larson

Joanne Narey Larson passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, after a brief journey with Alzheimer's. She was 77 years old. Joanne will be remembered for her boundless energy, feisty spirit, and deep devotion to family and faith. Born in 1948 in Los Angeles to Carmen and Joseph Narey, Joanne was the eldest daughter in a lively family of seven siblings. She grew up active and adventurous, enjoying surfing, running, and soaking up the California sunshine. In 1968, Joanne met the love of her life, Gary Larson. A few months later, they were married on a military base in Virginia and began their adventure overseas in Okinawa, Japan. Their 57-year marriage was marked by love, laughter, and devotion. After returning to Southern California, Gary pursued a career as a teacher and basketball coach, while Joanne cared for their growing family and earned her nursing degree. In 1984, they moved to Bakersfield, California, when Gary was called home to help with the family dairy, and Joanne established herself as a nurse at local hospitals and clinics. Guided by her love of babies, Joanne built a long and meaningful career as a labor and delivery nurse and lactation specialist, bringing comfort and encouragement to countless families. Her own family was her greatest joy. Joanne and Gary raised four children: Kevin (Mary Kay, Zachary, Megan), Corey (Cyndi, Cade, Carter), Jaime (Peter, Madelyn, Violet, Chloe), and Brian (Libby, Dylan, Joshua, Caleb). She treasured every moment with her beloved grandchildren. She delighted in cheering at games and recitals, sewing baby quilts, and baking oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Faith was the cornerstone of Joanne's life. A devoted Catholic, she served as a eucharistic minister, led parish women's clubs, and helped establish her parishes' Women's Day of Faith. In retirement, Joanne and Gary traveled the world, camped at Dinky Creek, stayed active at the gym, and built beautiful homes filled with love. In 2011, they moved to Windsor, Colorado, to be near their children. The Rosary and viewing will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Windsor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, with interment at Lakeview Cemetery. A reception will follow immediately after the interment at Roma Restaurant in Windsor. All who knew and loved Joanne are warmly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.