Mary Jane Larsen

Mary Jane Holt Larsen, a beloved and graceful matriarch, passed away peacefully at her residence in Salt Lake City on July 10, 2026, at the age of 97. Born on August 27, 1928, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mary Jane was the cherished daughter of Abigail Stormes Holt and Edward Sims Holt.

Her life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and dedication. Mary Jane was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 43 years, Ronald P. Larsen, and her beloved son, Edward Lance Larsen. She is survived by her son, Rion Larsen, and his wife Carol Larsen; her daughter, Kathryn Larsen; and her daughter-in-law, Patti Larsen. Mary Jane was a proud grandmother to four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She had many loving cousins. She remained especially close to Julia Surina (AZ), Nancy Steed (UT) and Cheryl Hamilton (KY).

Mary Jane attended East High School and furthered her education at the University of Utah and Westminster College. It was during her college years that she met the love of her life, Ron Larsen. She married Ron on September 6, 1950. They had three children, Rion, Lance, Kathryn Jane. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah and went on to work at various places, including VanCott-Bagley Law Firm and Canyon Crest Apartments. However, her most cherished role was that of a mother—a role she embraced with boundless love and dedication.

She took her belief in God to heart. Mary Jane was a devoted Episcopalian. She sang in the church choir and also Sunday School at St Mark's. For many years, she frequented St. Paul's Church. She was a pink lady, an Art Barn Docent, Chairman of Ladies Golf and Bowling at the Salt Lake Country Club.

Throughout her life, Mary Jane was an active member of her community. She was a spirited member of the Phi Beta Phi Sorority during her university days, volunteered with the Junior League. Her presence was a constant at the Salt Lake Country Club, where she delighted in creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Mary Jane's interests were as varied as they were enriching. She was an avid reader, and with Ron, she curated an impressive collection of hardback books that adorned their family room. She loved music and board games, especially "bridge with the girls," and had a flair for preparing special family dinners. Her refined sense of fashion and appreciation for the finer things in life were well known, but it was her family who remained her greatest passion.

Her elegance and warmth left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Mary Jane was known for her impeccable style, having modeled for numerous ads in the Salt Lake Tribune in her youth. Her laughter was infectious, and she cherished her lifelong friendships, many of which began in her early twenties.

Mary Jane's family will be holding a funeral service at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, on Monday, July 20 at 2:00 p.m. with a viewing from 1:00-1:45 p.m.

In her last days, she was deeply fond of and appreciated her loving Hospice team: Dr. Marcia Pinkerman, Nurse Mark Lopez and CSW's Becky Bradshaw and Brenda Rogers. Their loving attention and care made those last days much brighter. In similar fashion, she loved and adored her hairstylist of over 3 decades, Kim Esplin.

Mary Jane's life was a testament to love, grace, and resilience. Mary Jane Holt Larsen will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of warmth, style, and enduring love lives on in the hearts of her family and friends.