Caroline Larsen

Caroline Martin Larsen

Known as Carita, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2015 at the age of 84. Born in San Francisco to Charles Martin and Caroline Madison Martin, the California impressionist painter, Carita was the granddaughter of Frank Madison, founding partner of the law firm Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro. She was the wife of the late investor, vineyardist and preservationist Carter Larsen whom she married in 1952. Carita was predeceased by her son, Scott Martin Larsen, and is survived by her children Carter Larsen, Jr., Brett Larsen and Caroline Husting (James); grandchildren Laurence Larsen, Erica Husting, Harrison Husting and Michael Larsen; sister, Patsy Seidler; and nieces, Hydie Prugh, Lisa Cleveland and Jennifer Ash.
After attending Burkes School in San Francisco, Carita graduated from Westover School, Middleton, CT (Class of '49) and Mills College, Oakland, CA (Class of '52). She volunteered with a number of local organizations including Enterprise, Edgewood, Grace Cathedral and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She was a longtime member of the Francisca Club and supporter of many San Francisco arts and cultural institutions. In her later life, she oversaw the running of Larsen Vineyards and was passionate about the preservation of rural Sonoma County. A loyal friend, Carita loved to travel and was devoted to her family. She could often be found walking the beach at Aptos or the vineyards in Alexander Valley with one of her beloved dogs.
A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 5th at 11am at St. Mary the Virgin, 2325 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Sonoma Land Trust, 822 5th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (sonomalandtrust.org).