Arlene Joyce Larsen was born on May 3, 1939 in Spokane, Washington to Emil and Mary Larsen. Her brother is Darrell Larsen. She attended school in Spokane and Millwood, and graduated from West Valley High School in 1957.
Arlene became a teacher after graduating from Eastern Washington University, and her first teaching assignment was at Orchard Center Elementary School. From there, she taught in Seattle, Okinawa, Germany, and England with DoDDS.
As a teacher, Arlene had summers free, and she took full advantage of this time to explore the world! Her travels included Russia, Israel, Egypt, Africa, Australia, Spain, China, France, Denmark, Alaska, Cuba, Panama, The Philippines, Thailand, Korea, Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, throughout Scandanavia – the USA – Canada – and the United Kingdom.
Arlene’s mental and physical courage challenge us to achieve her same lofty heights. She was strong and funny and spicy to the last. We will miss her, but we are so much stronger for the world she helped create for us.
Arlene’s treasured family members include her brother, sister-in-law, two nieces and 2 nephews-in-law, 11 great nieces and nephews, and 16 great, great nieces and nephews.
