Jean Larson

Jean Ellen Larson was born on May, 29th 1932 in Laguna Beach, California to Pearl William Wood and Dora Ellen Chizek-Wood. As a young child she occasionally helped in her mom's restaurants. By her account, standing on boxes to do dishes and other chores. She graduated from San Pedro High School in 1950. In 1953 she married Ramon Larson and had two sons, Gregory Lee Larson and Christopher Matthew Larson. Life was grand raising her boys for a time. There were many parties and gatherings with Ramons side of the family. There was a clan of Larsons that lived very near each other in southern Cal. All of the cousins that were close to Jean's boys were also very close to Jeannie. There were Carole's boys, Randy, Reed, John and Dana Stewart. Lisa and Brad Larson. Jodi and Matt Berg and Randy Johnson. They had much fun water skiing on the Colorado River and time spent up at their cabin at Big Bear, California. They divorced in '68. Ramon moved north to Oregon City & the boys followed. In 1975 Jean married Jerry Larson & they moved to the same area the boys lived in. They later divorced in '83. Jean loved Oregon & built many enduring friendships there over the following years. She very much loved her relatives in Montana. Her cousin Dorothy Soares was like a sister to her. They were raised together for a time when Dorothy lived with them. Jean has one brother Timothy James Hyde of Bozeman, MT. Her sister Jo Ann Wood died at eighteen. Jeannie loved Hollywood! She regularly went to the movies at her local little movie theater on the Avenue. She kept abreast of the stars through Entertainment Tonight, but her very favorite show was Sunday Morning which she watched religiously. Jeannie LOVED music and dancing! She enjoyed a wide range of genres & attended many, many concerts with family & friends. Two of her favorite things were to meet her friends for lunch every Monday at The Ranch Tavern & take loved ones to the local jazz club & wine bar Arrivederci just up the boulevard from her place. She had a cute little dog Gypsy for several years that she doted on and enjoyed taking on long walks to the river. She loved to travel. She drove all over the US & trekked to other countries as well. Jeannie had the ability to form very tight, enduring relationships with many people. Some of those still with us are her dear friend Bill Rogers who has been close to Jeannie for 56 years. Patrick Campbell who was so very close to her & was almost like a son. She couldn't have done without his caring presence in her last few years. Judy Sprandel who has been one of her constants for 46 years. Daughter-in-law Debbie Larson who knew Jeannie always had her back. Her long time good friends & buddies Sandy Sargent, Loraine Gordon & Julie Holmes. Her brother Tim Hyde who she loved dearly & was with her as she transitioned. Jeannie is survived by her brother Tim Hyde. Her niece Amy(Mike) Hyde-Smith & son Ben. Nephew Brett(Amy) Hyde & son Archer & daughter McKinley. Her dear sister/cousin Dorothy Soares. Her daughter-in-law Debbie Larson as well as her many dear friends & cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, both her sons Greg & Chris & many, many of her dearest friends & relatives. She will be fondly & fiercely remembered by all of us that remain!