Mattie "Penny" Jean Larson

Mattie “Penny” Jean Larson (Orr) passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 2, 2026. After 84 years filled with family, friendship, learning, travel, joy, and life's adventures, she left to reunite with loved ones and begin her next heavenly journey.

Penny was born on July 17, 1941, in Danville, Illinois, to Ridgeway and Pearl Orr. As the fourth of six children, she cherished her siblings throughout her life. While attending Danville High School, she met and later married her first love, Larry “Red” Carpenter, with whom she raised two daughters. In 1979, she and her family moved to Arizona—where, after years of grueling Illinois winters, she was finally warm! Following her divorce, Penny met Alvin Larson, who became her devoted husband, travel partner, and companion through many of life's greatest adventures.

A lifelong learner, Penny pursued her education over many years while simultaneously raising her family and building a career. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Illinois, a Master of Arts in Education from Northern Arizona University, and ultimately, a Doctorate of Philosophy from Arizona State University. She shared her passion for knowledge by teaching high school English and Literature in both Illinois and Arizona, later transitioning to teach at Arizona State University. Her curiosity, determination, and love of learning never faded.

Penny had many interests, but travel brought her the greatest joy. What began with a spontaneous trip to England with a close friend during a Midwest snowstorm in the early 1970s grew into a lifelong passion for seeing the world. She loved sharing these experiences with Al, her daughters, and her granddaughter. Her travels took her to England, Italy, Norway, Poland, Egypt, and countless other destinations. Whether by plane, train, ship, or road, Penny was always ready for the next horizon. Even in her later years, she continued traveling, though her family eventually convinced her to keep her adventures a little closer to home.

Always dedicated to giving back, Penny began volunteering at the Mount of Olives Lutheran Church food closet, beginning a decade-long mission of community service. Through her tireless initiative, she secured freezers, refrigerators, and corporate donations—including partnerships with local businesses like Starbucks—to vastly expand the variety and quantity of food provided. Her efforts raised the program's community profile, transforming the food closet from a limited, part-time operation into a vital resource open daily.

Penny is survived by her two daughters, Michelle Ann Carpenter and Sheila Sue Bacon (Brett); her much-loved grandchildren, Kenzie Katheryn Bacon, Audrey Di Paolo, Albert Di Paolo, Lena Larson and Amy Larson; her younger sister, Barbara Orr Guillermety (William); and her younger brother, Larry Orr. She also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends, former students, and others whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ridgeway and Pearl; her brothers, Roy Orr and Alan Orr; her sister, Eleanor Gutterridge (Charles “Chuck”); and her former husbands, Larry Carpenter and Alvin Larson, who each shared in different, meaningful parts of her remarkable life.

Penny will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her love of learning, and her fierce devotion to family. She never stopped being curious about the world and was always eager to see what was around the next corner.

A service celebrating Penny’s life will be held on June 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Phoenix Memorial Park, 200 W. Beardsley Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85027. In lieu of flowers, donations in Penny's memory may be made to her favorite charities: the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Disabled American Veterans.