Gladys Louise Larson

Gladys Louise (Odegard) Larson was born in Enumclaw, Washington on October 3, 1927 to Norwegian immigrants Hans and Marie Odegard, and passed away surrounded by family on January 2, 2011 in Tacoma, Washington. Gladys grew up in Enumclaw, graduating from Enumclaw High School in 1945. She was a majorette and had fond memories of rollerskating, skiing, swimming, playing the piano and accordion. She lived in Tacoma for over 60 years and worked at Weyerhaeuser Company for 30 years. She led an active life, traveling the U.S. and western Canada widely, attending the Long Beach Kite Festival for the past 25 years, enjoying camping, pinochle, ballroom dancing, bowling and singing. In retirement, she continued to travel, attend musical and theater events, and meet with friends both old and new. She met regularly for lunch with girlhood friends in Enumclaw and attended her sixty-fifth class reunion. She is known for her beautiful handwork, including embroidery, knitting, crocheting, and quilting, which she continued with her sewing club. Gladys loved people and people-watching. She was friendly, personable, and had a ready smile. She lived a full life, with closeness to her four daughters, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Jennifer; and survived by daughters April (Gary) Meier, Kathryn (Steven) Mork, Jacalyn Larson, grandsons Dean (Jennifer) Meier, Alan (Amy Beth) Meier, Mark (Julie) Meier, Hans Mork, Tyler Larson, granddaughter Marit Mork; great-grandchildren Hailey, Rylan, Matea, Kayla, Alex, and Abby; and cousin Helen Manowski. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to her many friends, the MultiCare doctors and staff, and King’s Manor Assisted Living Community for their compassion and care. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 22, at 1:00 p.m. at United Lutheran Church, 1231 South 76th Street, Tacoma, Washington. Charitable donations may be made to the Multicare Foundation Cancer Helping Hands Fund, PO Box 5296, Tacoma WA 98415 (253-403-1236).