Marylynn D. Larson

Marylynn Dianne Larson (79) was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Marylynn spent most of her childhood and teenage years residing in Denver with her parents, Dorothy Mae (Bradley) & William (Bill) Paul Smilanic and older Brother, William Robert Smilanic. Marylynn enjoyed her childhood and always kept busy participating in many activities. She loved to stay busy and liked school and spending time with her friends. She attended grade school at St Louis in Englewood, 1st & 2nd grade, and then Sherman Elementary in Denver for 3rd-6th grades. She attended Byers Junior High school in Denver for 7th-9th grades, and graduated from South High School in 1954. Marylynn continued her education attending Emily Griffith Opportunity School, receiving awards and certificate of completion in Interior Decorating, Alterations, Tailoring, and Pattern drafting. Among many of Marylynn's talents was her expression in her paintings. She continued to study Art drawing, basic design, theory of color and commercial Art. Marylynn shared her love of Art by teaching painting for two years at the College View Senior Center in Denver. As well as private drawings & painting lessons with relatives and friends. She enjoyed expressing and sharing her creations in many forms, including bird houses, drawing and painting on many items, including tennis shoes for her youngest granddaughter, Jessica. Marylynn was a self-taught gardener, and accomplished seamstress. Through the years, she made many of her own clothes as well, sewed many outfits for her daughter, Karen and daughter-in-law, Debbie. One of the most special gifts was her design and creation of her daughter, Karen's beautiful wedding dress. She continued with her grandchildren, making wonderful and fun Halloween costumes. In 1954, while on a double date with her best friend Cathy (Cavey) Larson who was then dating boyfriend (husband) Gus Larson, Marylynn would meet her future husband, Don Larson. Gus Larson called his ""younger"" brother, Don, to rescue them from having car troubles. As Marylynn would tell it, I told Cathy ""Wow, I thought Gus's little brother was twelve or something, I sure would like to get to know him!"" ………the love story began and they were married in 1957. They honeymooned in New York and Niagara Falls. Then they moved to San Francisco, CA. where Don attended the City College of San Francisco for one year. In 1958 their first child, Karen, was born. Before the year had past, the new family would move back home, to Colorado, as Don's fathers health was failing. Upon returning to Colorado, Marylynn & Don bought their New and existing home, January 1959, in Southwest Denver. In 1960 their second child, Greg, was born. Along with being a full time homemaker, Marylynn worked 2yrs for Colorado Transportation Co, 1 yr for Van Humbel Co, 2 ½ yrs for Dun & Bradstreet. As well working many years selling Fuller Brush. While Marylynn worked hard, family was always her first priority. Marylynn and Don enjoyed many years volunteering with their children's scouting troops. Marylynn was a Camp Fire Girl and went on to leadership of Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls of America. She donated 2 years to the discovery club cabinet group, receiving the medal for leadership. Marylynn also served as Den mother of her sons Pack 365. She also served as a committee chairman. Marylynn helped in PTA. Enjoyed working on her High School reunion committee, volunteered time helping brother in law, Ted Hackworth, with campaign activities. Enjoyed hobbies, painting in oil, and water colors, decorating bird houses and both flower and vegetable gardening. Marylynn and Don raised their family and watched their children grow into wonderful parents and were blessed with three grandchildren, Michael Larson, Jennifer Larson and Jessica Waggoner. Marylynn felt blessed to have her family so close. Her Daughter, Karen currently resides in Denver with her husband, Mike and Marylynn's youngest granddaughter, Jessica. Greg and his wife, Debbie reside in Lakewood, as well as Marylynn's grandson, Michael with his wife, Rebecca and granddaughter, Jennifer, who each have their own homes in Lakewood. Marylynn was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and wife. Her family was always the most important thing to her. She loved and fully enjoyed Family!!! In April 2012, Marylynn & Don happily celebrated 55 wedding anniversaries, when sadly in November 2012 she lost her beloved husband. We will all miss her genuine love and kindness. We are all blessed to have known and loved her. Rest in Peace Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt and Friend *************************************************** Please share your memories of Marylynn and condolences with her family by signing the guest Book. ******************************************************************** Survived by her daughter Karen (Mike) Waggoner, her son Greg (Debbie), grandchildren Michael 31 (Rebecca), Jennifer 29 and Jessica 21, Sister-in-Law Doris Hackworth, Sister-in-Law Cathy Larson, Nephew(s); Jim Hackworth (Linda), Steve Larson (Janelle), Niece(s); Joan Grady (Leonard), Linda Hoffman (Rob), Susan Stone (Steve), Kristen White (Tim), Great Niece(s) and Nephew(s); Great-Great Niece(s) and Nephew(s). Preceded in death by; Husband, Donald Warren Larson, Brother-in-Law; Gustaf Alfred Larson III, nephew; G.A. Larson, Brother; Bill Smilanic, Sister-in-law; Judy Smilanic, Brother-in-Law; Ted Hackworth and nephew; Jason Smilanic. Memorial Service for Marylynn will be at 11 AM Saturday, August 15 at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver.