Pamela K. Larsen

Pamela Karen Larsen, of Tacoma, Washington, passed away on November 16th, 2022, and will be missed by many.
Pam was born on August 1st, 1953 to Margaret "Peggy" and Robert "Dale" Harper in Los Angeles, California. Pam loved her time in school and performing with the spirit team as a flag twirler. She met her high school sweetheart, Steven William Larsen, at a work party while decorating their school's parade float. Steve showed off his silly side using her long brown hair as a paintbrush. After graduating from El Rancho High School in 1971 both she and Steve attended Rio Hondo Community College before they married on August 4, 1973. Together they had two children, Valerie Ellyn Buck and Orrin Robert Larsen.
Pam's first career was in the insurance industry, taking on the role of Office Manager for a State Farm agency in southern California. The hustle and bustle of California life did not seem ideal for raising children, so Pam and Steve moved to Washington State where they could be close to Steve's family and live a more simple life. The house they purchased in 1979 has been their only home in Washington, they both fell in love with the land and the home even though it was "way out" of town. The transition to rainy Washington was not easy but Pam adjusted with the support of her family. Pam's mom, Grandma Peggy, would visit Washington often and there were also frequent trips back to the sunshine in California with the kids. Pam also connected with Steve's Aunt Gen and Uncle Bert who taught her some great lessons such as clam digging, gardening, and canning. Pam was well known for her Raspberry Jam which she made from berries grown in the garden. After several years at home with her children, Pam rejoined the workforce helping Jerry Moody begin his State Farm office before transitioning to a career in education.
Pam spent most of her working years in education, starting as the Principal's Secretary at Bethel High School, where she made many longtime friends, including Bunco Babes and the Haifa Sisters. Pam was the cheer advisor for many years and enjoyed being involved in the high school from which both her children would eventually graduate. Pam then worked at the Bethel School District Office and supported Career and Technical Education, which she was very passionate about before she returned to college to earn her Master's Degree and teaching credentials from Pacific Lutheran University. She began her teaching career at Chief Leschi High School before retiring from Rogers High School in 2017, where she was Career Counselor.
Retirement did not slow down Pam! As a retiree, she became even more active in the South Hill Rotary, the Stan and Joan Cross Park Board of Directors, and social clubs (Sons of Norway and Viking Yacht Club). Pam loved serving her community, being out on the water, working in her garden, and doting on her beloved golden retriever, Harper. She made it a priority to play BUNCO each month with her Babes and most importantly, to watch her grandchildren participate in their sports and activities.
Pam was a loving wife and mother dedicated to her family. She is survived by her husband of forty-nine years Steven William Larsen, her two children Valerie (Brad) Buck and Orrin (Dana) Larsen, four grandchildren Elizabeth Buck, Amanda Buck, Blake Larsen, and Heath Larsen, one brother Gary Harper, niece Stephanie Anderson, great niece Hudson Anderson, brother-in-law Joel Larsen (Joyce), sister-in-law Cheryl Larsen, and her beloved nieces and nephews.
Pam was preceded in death by her parents, her aunt Ellyn Collins, Steve's brother Lynn Larsen, and his sister Kathleen Larsen. She was preceded just briefly by her beloved first cousin Robert Grey Collins, who passed less than a day before in Montana.
A celebration of Pam's extraordinary life will be held at the Son's of Norway hall in Tacoma, Wa on Wednesday, November 30th at 1:00 pm. Instead of flowers, donations could be made in Pam's name to the South Hill Rotary Scholarship or Literacy Programs.
South Hill Rotary
P.O. Box 966
Puyallup, WA 98371
http://Southhillrotary.org