DORIS LARSEN

1931 - 2017

Doris Anna (Paulson) Larsen Doris, born in Tacoma, Washington to Margaret and Jimmy Paulson on January 17th, 1931, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 5, 2017 at the age of 86. Doris met Arthur Larsen in 1949 at The Rhodes Department Store, where they both worked. It took Art nearly two years to convince her to go out on a date with him, but once she said yes, they quickly fell in love and were married one year later on February 2, 1952. Art often jokes that Doris' father liked him better than she did, given his Lutheran, Scandinavian, and singing background. After 66 years together, she still saved in her wallet the first letter he ever wrote to her, which promised to take her out on a date every Friday night. Until recently she was very active in her church, St. Marks Lutheran. She was a mainstay in the kitchen, and for years to come will likely be remembered by friends and family for her famous potato salad. When it became difficult for her to get out, she made sure she had church on the television. If church wasn't on the television, you could pretty much guarantee that golf, baseball, or football was. She was an avid sports fan all her life. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and cousin to many, and will be dearly missed by all. One could say that nobody was ever a stranger to her, and you could also say that everyone was family. She was the "adopted" Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother to many, adults and children alike, and all the pictures on the refrigerator can prove it. She loved to brag about them to anyone that would listen. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Arthur Larsen. Together they had 3 children, Cyndi (Dan) Villegas, Steve (Jan) Larsen, and Dana Larsen. Her grandchildren, Braden, Britta, Luke, Leah, Amelia, and Levi, were the light of her life, and she would never miss one of their sporting events or performances. She is also survived by her sister, June (Dave) Burns, of Cave Creek, AZ, as well as many nieces and nephews. A special "Thank You" goes out to the Burns Family for their love and support during this difficult time. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 21st, 3pm, at St Marks Lutheran Church by the Narrows, 6730 N 17th St, Tacoma, WA 98406. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St Marks Lutheran Church by the Narrows Memorial Fund. She was a member of this church for over 50 years.