Astoria

March 9, 1924 — July 23, 2016

Mary (Lewis) Larson died July 23, 2016, at Providence Seaside Hospital, at 92 years old.

She was born March 9, 1924, in Burbank, California, to Edward and Mary Lewis. When she was a child, the family moved to Longview, Washington, where they owned a grocery store. She attended Longview Grade School, but later quit school early to work in her parents’ store.

She had three brothers, Robert Francis and David, all World War II veterans. Mary built warships in Longview and Bremerton, Washington, where she met Julius Larson, her husband. After the war, they moved to Clatskanie, Oregon, and had two children, Starla and Halvin.

Then they moved to Astoria, where Julius was a Youngs River bridge tender. In 1974, Mary, Julius and Halvin moved to Seaside, where Julius passed away in 1976. Mary helped with Halvin’s business after 1976, and worked at various service jobs, including at the Seaside Senior Center, where she received a commendation for excellence.

Halvin passed away in 2010, and Mary moved back to Astoria in 2012, where she was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. Her hobbies included gardening, sewing and birdwatching. She enjoyed taking small trips.

She is survived by her daughter, Starla Galant of Astoria, Oregon; a niece, Janet Lewis of Anacortes, Washington; and a cousin, Jesse Ridenour of Longview, Washington.

A memorial service is being held at Bethany Lutheran Church at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 31, with a reception following. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.