Larissa Charnsangavej

A proud Houstonian born to Chusilp and Tanitra Charnsangavej on the 17th of October 1987, Larissa, or Lars, as she was known to many friends, attended Lovett Elementary, Lanier Middle, and Bellaire High School before earning her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Rice University in 2009. Her career began at Creative Artists Agency in Los Angeles, before she pursued her passion for education and student support by earning a Masters of Education in Student Affairs at UCLA in 2013. She went on to serve as the Graduate Resident Life Coordinator at CalTech and most recently held the role of Director of Graduate Student Life at UC Berkeley.

Larissa was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She cherished travel, trivia nights, board games, and reading. A dedicated sports fan, she enthusiastically rooted for her hometown sports teams–the Astros, Texans, Rockets, Dash, Dynamo, and Rice Owls. Also an athlete who enjoyed playing flag football, soccer, and softball, Larissa was passionate about women’s sports, traveling across the country and the world to cheer on some of her favorite teams, including the US Women’s National Team and her beloved niblings’ (her term for her eleven nieces and nephews) sports teams.

Above all, Larissa cherished the time she could spend with her friends and family, fostering connections across all of the different parts of her life. She was always willing to draw out an elaborate family tree or share recent photos or videos of her many nieces and nephews. A friend to everyone, Larissa could engage in conversation with anyone she met, but she also was comfortable sitting quietly, being present in the moment, and truly listening to what people would say, somehow knowing exactly what the other person needed in that moment.

Larissa lived her life thoughtfully and without regrets. She faced cancer with extraordinary courage and wisdom, undergoing many courses of treatment and procedures with strength and resilience. The recipient of multiple clinical trials, Larissa understood the importance of research and advancements in cancer care and worked hard to fundraise for MD Anderson Cancer Center. She cared deeply about the needs of others and continued to offer support to friends and family all through her own challenges with illness.

She will be remembered as a fierce advocate for inclusion, a joyful presence, and someone who made every space brighter and more welcoming. Larissa’s presence and impact was felt by all who interacted with her and she will be truly missed yet fondly remembered.