Carolyn Larson
1943-08-02 2023-09-20Larson, Carolyn Adelle (Hofstrand) age 80 passed on to Heaven September 20 at home surrounded by family. She had a recurrence of cancer 3 years ago and started hospice care at home in July, about 3 months after chemotherapy stopped working. Preceded in death by parents Edward Hofstrand and Iva Joyce Hofstrand Mathson, and stepfather N Kenneth Mathson; daughter Rebecca Larson; brother Virgil Hofstrand. Survived by her husband of 62+ years Wayne Larson; daughter Katherine (Thomas) Bergquist, sons David (Susan) Larson, Charles Larson; grandchildren Matthew (Swagata) Bergquist, Emily (Daniel) Dégallier, Nicole (Angel) Gonzalez, Joshua Larson, Benjamin Larson, Jessica (Alex) Hubbard, Nathan Bergquist; great-granddaughters Amia Bergquist, Marie Hubbard; sister Diane (Gerald) Welch. Carolyn was born in Minneapolis and grew up in Hopkins. After her marriage in 1961, the family moved around the Midwest and spent 2 years in the Netherlands for Wayne's work. They lived the past 35 years in the southwest suburbs; the past 7 years in Eden Prairie. They participated in their church community wherever they lived. Carolyn's strong faith enabled her to go through life with love for others; she was a beautiful lady, inside and out. She was active in the community, but she prioritized raising her family, being a best friend to Wayne, and working to give Becky a full life after Becky's injury in 1972. She continued her education with an AA degree at Normandale Community College, graduating Phi Theta Kappa in 1992. She worked many jobs over the years; at a travel agency, a counseling center, in health care and as a Guardian ad Litem. Her volunteer and leadership activities included: Befriender, Via de Christo, Bethel Series teacher, LCW, fundraising events for HBI and MORA. Carolyn was all about loving people. Whether she was with friends, volunteering, entertaining in their home, or organizing craft sales, she was always looking out for others. She enjoyed sewing, embroidery, pottery, knitting, making greeting cards, cooking, baking, and board games. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed many trips with her children and grandchildren. Carolyn and Wayne wintered in Mexico and Arizona, traveled to 44 countries on 6 continents, and enjoyed Disney cruises with Becky.