Angela Joan Larsen

Angela Joan Larsen April 29, 1948 – September 28, 2026, Angela Joan Larsen, age 78, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, at her home in Hemet, California, with her loving husband and family by her side. Angela was born on April 29, 1948, in St. Helens, Lancashire, England, to Jack Bate and Lilian Parkins Bate. She grew up and was educated in England, where her natural creativity and artistic talents became apparent at an early age. In 1961, Angela met William David Larsen “David” while he was serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in northern England from 1961 to 1963. Angela was later baptized as a member of the Church, beginning a lifelong devotion to a faith that would become one of the foundations of her life. In 1965, Angela immigrated to the United States with her parents. Her relationship with David blossomed, and during their courtship they enjoyed trips to Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland, evenings at the drive-in movies, and dinners at their favorite Chinese restaurant, Ming’s in Bellflower, California. These were the beginnings of a life they would spend building together. Angela and David married in February 1966 and celebrated an extraordinary 60 years of marriage. Angela was intelligent, artistic, and immensely talented, with many possibilities available to her. Her mother wanted her daughter to have every opportunity to succeed, and Angela wondered how she would tell her that, despite her education and talents, there was really only one thing she had always wanted to be—a mother. For Angela, motherhood was not a path chosen because she lacked other opportunities, it was the life she wanted. Angela and David became the parents of six children: Heather Williams (Carlin), Heidi Spotten (Jeremy), Holly Lee (Mark), David Larsen, Devon Sims (Devin), and D’lynn Larsen. Their family continued to grow, eventually blessing Angela with 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The family she had dreamed of as a young woman became one of the greatest accomplishments and joys of her life. Angela was known for her kind and caring heart and her genuine compassion for others. She spent her life assisting, comforting, and caring for people. She had a natural ability to recognize when someone needed help and a willingness to give of herself. Service was not simply something Angela did—it was part of who she was.

Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. Angela was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She lived her beliefs through her compassion, generosity, service, and devotion to her family and others. Angela’s creativity could be seen everywhere. She loved sewing, crochet, needlepoint, and knitting and was exceptionally talented at crafts. She had a wonderful eye for decorating her home and enjoyed working in her yard, using her creativity to make the spaces around her beautiful, warm, and welcoming. She especially loved the holidays. Angela embraced everything about them—from decorating and dressing up to shopping for just the right gifts, preparing delicious meals, and bringing everyone together. For Angela, holidays were about more than decorations and presents. They were about family, traditions, and creating memories with the people she loved most. Angela was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lilian Bate; a grandson, Camden David Hales; and a granddaughter, Kyrah Annaliese Crose. She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, William David Larsen; her six children, Heather Williams, Heidi Spotten, Holly Lee, David Larsen, Devon Sims, and D’lynn Larsen; 16 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and the many relatives and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and love. Angela leaves behind far more than the beautiful things she created. She leaves a legacy in the family she devoted her life to, in the faith she lived, in the people she served, and in the countless memories created around holidays, meals, celebrations, and ordinary days spent together. As her children were growing up, whenever one of them was heading out the door, Angela would send them off with a simple reminder: “Remember who you are.” Those four words became more than something Mom said. They reflected what she hoped for her children—that wherever life took them, they would remember the values they had been taught, the family they belonged to, and the people they wanted to be. The young woman from England who wanted more than anything to become a mother ultimately created the very life she had dreamed of—a life filled with family, faith, creativity, service, and love. Her influence will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those fortunate enough to have known and loved her. And now, the words she so often spoke to her children remain with them as part of her legacy: “Remember who you are.” She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of the family she cherished so dearly until we meet again.

Funeral Services Funeral services for Angela Joan Larsen will be held Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse located at 425 N. Kirby St., Hemet, California 92545. A viewing will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment and graveside services will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Rose Hills, 3888 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, California 90601.