Florence Irene Larson

Florence Irene Larson, born May 2, 1929, in Collingswood, New Jersey, lived a full and meaningful life devoted to family, faith, friendship, and service to others. She will be remembered for her enduring faith in Christ, her deep love for her family, and the many friendships she treasured throughout her life.

Florence was the daughter of Theodore Bruce Austermuhl and Ethel Irene Austermuhl (Perrin). She met Robin Leroy Larson while he was serving in the U.S. Army in New Jersey. They married in 1949 and shared 65 wonderful and loving years together. Raising a family was one of the great sources of meaning and joy in her life.

She is survived by her children, Robin Wayne Larson and David Bruce Larson. Her daughter, Wendy Darlene DeHaven, preceded her in death in 1999.

Florence was a beloved grandmother to David Larson, Stephen Larson, Matthew Larson, and Garrett DeHaven. She was also a loving great-grandmother to Lennox, Owen, Wylder, Leo, and Sophie. She took great pleasure in watching her family grow and develop over 75 years and treasured the many memories they created together.

Faith and church activities were central to Florence’s life. For many years, she taught Sunday School, and throughout her life she loved worshiping the Lord and participating in Bible studies and prayer groups. She often shared her faith and her love for the Scriptures with family and friends, encouraging others through her words and the example of her life.

Family was also at the heart of Florence’s life. She treasured time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. She especially enjoyed visits with her sons, grandchildren, and their families. She was often ready to welcome them with a home-cooked meal, a thoughtful gift, and a game to play together. She and her husband traveled many times with their young children to visit her family in New Jersey. These visits reflected Florence’s deep appreciation for the people and places that had shaped her life.

Florence’s interests and activities extended beyond her family. She enjoyed fellowship with others, walking for miles, playing Scrabble, traveling, and maintaining lifelong friendships. Her travels took her through all fifty states, where she visited many national parks, including Yosemite. She also traveled to Israel, Europe, Australia, and Hawaii and enjoyed two cruises with family to the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Remarkably, after turning 50, Florence ran two marathons—a testament to her determination, vitality, and adventurous spirit.

Florence attended Centenary College and spoke fondly of her college years and the friendships she formed there. She remained connected with some of her Centenary classmates for more than seven decades.

Florence will be remembered with deep gratitude as a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and loyal friend. Above all, she was a remarkable woman of faith, and her memory will continue through the many people whose lives she touched.