Gwendolyn "Gwen" Jean Larusso

She was born on March 24, 1944, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to her mother, Clara Flanagan, who predeceased her. Gwendolyn attended Poughkeepsie High School and later beauty school. While living in New York, she and her beloved husband co-owned and operated Hair LaCoy Salon, where she built lasting relationships with their clients, employees and community.

Gwendolyn was married to the love of her life, William (Bill) Larusso of Dover Plains, New York. In 2000, they moved to Arizona to embrace warmer days she loved so much, continuing their passion and legacy at Madison Avenue Salon in Maricopa County.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—cooking and baking, reading Danielle Steele novels, and spending time with her family. She especially loved sunny days and had little fondness for the cold. Gwendolyn cherished quiet moments sitting on her back patio, watching the canal come alive with boats, ducks, and fish, and never missed an opportunity to admire the beauty of an Arizona sunset. The color yellow, bright and full of warmth, reflected her spirit and brought her happiness.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Bill; her son, Sean Larusso, his wife Debbie, and their children Gabrielle and Mason; her daughter, Tara Bower, her husband Bruce, and their children Devin (and his wife Sophia), Lauren, and Cameron. She is also survived by her sister Yvonne Morrill and her significant other William Watkins; her sister Nancy Robishaw and her husband Jimmy; her brother Doug Mulder and his wife Marge; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her mother, she was predeceased by her sisters Jean Mackenzie and Carol Wilson; her brothers Donald Mulder and Richard Mulder; and her in-laws, William and Theresa Larusso. And her dog Stash.

Gwendolyn’s warmth, kindness, and love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to cancer research at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The family kindly requests that those attending wear some form of yellow in her honor, as they celebrate her life and her journey home to be with the Lord.

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