Shanna Peterson Larsen

Shanna Joy Peterson (Larsen) was born on February 11, 1956, in Salt Lake City and throughout her adolescent years lived in Utah, Washington and eventually her beloved California. Whether it was Southern California where the beaches are beautiful and the sun is hot or the small town, quaint feeling of California’s Central Coast where she studied at California Polytechnic University, California was home to Shanna, and she loved being a “California Girl”. Probably where she got her slight Katy Perry obsession…but that’s neither here nor there. California is where the Larsen Ladies always traveled to meet friends and family, and the rolling hills and scenic valleys will always have a sense of home and a true sense of Shanna.

Shanna was a radiant joy and brought light, love and laughter to all who knew her. She was quick-witted, smart, spunky and often spoke her mind. She loved 70s rock music, TV game shows and talent shows. She could be a bit mischievous and always looked for a new adventure. Shanna was always known for cooking and baking from the heart and would always have a little surprise batch of something to share at events, with friends or family. She loved traditions for each holiday and always wanted to share those family traditions and stories with anyone that visited her.

You always knew where you stood with Shanna, and if you stood with her, you were probably on a beach somewhere watching the sunrise and drinking mimosas. Or at a winery, shopping, going to the movies, or traveling on some new adventure. She took every day as it came and always found joy and fun in all the things she did and saw.

Shanna is survived by her two daughters: Caitlin and Breanna; her siblings: Brad and Laura; and her nieces and nephew: Logan, Erika, Melissa, Shelby and Jessica. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charlotte and John, and her brother Vance.

Shanna’s wishes were to be cremated, and her daughters will ultimately spread her ashes along the California coast and possibly even turn her into a firework! She saw it in a movie once, and what can we say? She loved a good firework show and would’ve wanted all who knew her to love the colors and celebrate the life she lived to the fullest. Additional services may be arranged and announced at a later date.

To celebrate Shanna, we invite her friends and family to go somewhere to enjoy the sand in between your toes, the feel of the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, the sounds of the Beach Boys or Jimmy Buffet on the stereo and the sweet, sweet taste of good wine. We also invite you to share your favorite memories and photos of you and Shanna below.

To those wishing to honor Shanna with a donation, please make a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in her name. A GoFundMe has also been organized to help with her final wishes, and donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/shanna-peterson-larsen.