Deborah "Debbie" Anne Larsen

Deborah Anne Larsen, aged 52, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024, at her home in Redmond, Washington. After courageously battling Mast Cell Activation Syndrome since July 2019, she peacefully succumbed to her illness in her sleep. Even as she fought her own battle, Debbie found the strength to offer support to many others facing the same condition through online support groups.

Born on July 22, 1972, in Pietersburg, South Africa, to Alice and Peter Goetsch, Debbie was one of five children, including her older brother Peter Michael, older sister Margie, younger sister Kathy, and youngest sister Tracey. She married Mark on August 25, 1994, in Pretoria, and they immigrated to the United States in 2000, raising their two children, Amy and Dean, in Redmond.

An avid reader, particularly of non-fiction, Debbie was known for her engaging conversations and extensive knowledge of current events, medicine, and education. She enjoyed outdoor activities, including hiking with her family, visiting gardens, and attending various festivals.

Devoted to her family, Debbie took special care in the upbringing of her children. When traditional schooling proved unsuitable, she homeschooled them from early elementary grades through high school graduation. She dedicated considerable time to nurturing their interests and ambitions and also volunteered extensively within the homeschooling community.

Debbie had a keen interest in the medical field and enrolled at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology in 2017, aspiring to become a nurse practitioner and contribute to public health. Excelling academically, she consistently ranked at the top of her class until she had to withdraw in September 2019 due to her illness.

Initially unable to determine the cause of her symptoms after consulting numerous doctors over the course of a year, Debbie was finally diagnosed with MCAS around August 2020. While the diagnosis provided some relief, it soon became evident that there was no cure or immediate treatment for her continuous pain. She devoted herself to researching the disease meticulously and became a de facto expert within online support groups. Besides helping those with MCAS, she also supported individuals affected by Parkinson's disease and other related illnesses, noting the similarities between the conditions.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Mark; their children, Amy and Dean; and her siblings, Peter Michael, Margie, Kathy, and Tracey.

We invite you to celebrate Debbie's life with us. Feel free to wear whatever makes you comfortable. The service will include a reception with light food and beverages where you can reminisce and share stories with others present.

If you're considering a way to contribute to finding a cure for MCAS, in lieu to sending flowers, you can make a donation at https://tmsforacure.org