Denise Loreen Larson
October 7, 1965 - October 22, 2014
Obituary
Denise “D” Loreen (Andres) Larson, 49, of Shoreline, WA died on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 from cancer.
She arrived on October 7, 1965 the second of four children born to Alicio Sr. and Maureen Andres. Denise’s siblings are older brother Alicio Jr., younger brother Matthew, and sister Nikki.
Denise attended St. Edward’s Catholic school from kindergarten through 8th grade. She then completed a year at John F. Kennedy High School. It was the strong foundation of Christian faith that Denise received during these years that became the hallmark of her life. She then attended Franklin High School and was proud to be known as a “Quaker.” Denise was a popular student and excelled in the classroom and on the soccer field. Although right handed, her left leg strength and accuracy were legendary. After graduation she received her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and earned her Master’s degree in Christian Marriage Family Counseling from Antioch University in Seattle.
Denise’s skill as an administrator and talent for building programs blossomed upon graduation. She was hired by United Indians of All Tribes Foundation and was instrumental in building the Academic and Cultural Excellence Program, Kwiat Child Development Center and the Head Start Program. Her love of education and heart to see all students fulfill their potential were motivating forces behind her work.
After a short courtship Denise wed Monty Larson on June 8, 1991 in Seattle. It would be the first of two marriages to Monty. The faulty foundation of their first marriage failed in July of 1995. The couple, after receiving the love, comfort, and direction of Jesus Christ were reconciled and subsequently remarried December 31, 1997 in Seattle surrounded by family and friends.
They then moved to Los Angeles until 1999 when the Lord moved them to Bismarck, ND to care for Monty’s father until his passing.
Although Denise and Monty were unable to have their own children, Denise became known as “mom” to many spiritual children. Denise was a great mother and loved to take care of people. The couple moved back to SeaTac, WA in September of 2009 and assumed a care giving role to her mother Maureen and a parenting role in the lives of her older brother Alicio Jr’s children. In her heart, they became her children. She was serving in these capacities until the time of her death.
Denise’s interests and hobbies included cooking, quilting, hosting High Tea Parties, and scrap booking. She also loved an occasional and exhilarating whitewater river raft ride too!
She was an avid fan of her beloved Washington Huskies and Seattle Seahawks.
Denise’s life verse was:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
She is survived by her husband Monty, mother Maureen Andres, brother Matthew Andres (Dawna), sister Nikki Estes (Dennis), Darlene Peters, Sister-in-law; Monica, Anita Keller (Jeff), Nancy Razo (Ben). Brother-in-law; Duane Hatnenn, Byron Larson (Deb). Nieces and Nephews; Alicia (David Coleman), Alana, Alexis, Solomon (Alicio Jr. and Monica), Antonio, Sophia, Dominque (Matt and Dawna), Savana, DJ (Nikki and Dennis), Seri and Aidan (Byron and Deb), Christian (Clay Fraser), Melinda, Hilary, (Steve and Darlene) Great Nieces; Aliyah (Alicia, David Coleman) Savanna (Melinda). Aunts and Uncles; Monica Ford, Cea Cea and Don Bicknell, Bob and Sandy Murray, Bob Agdamag. Cousins; David King, Greg King (Shelly), Monnette Schrader (Mike), Mikki Babcock (Daryll), Laura Edmonds, Jeff Murray, Terri Murray, Tom Murray, Rainee Spadoni (Paul), Lotte Pedersen (Bob), Keren Berry (Ken), Carole Marzi (Benji), David Harper, Russell Harper (Deidri), Sam Harper, Sunshine Milsom (Jason), Ish Talbot (Steve), Jennifer Hayword (Vic).
Preceded in death by; father Alicio Andres Sr., brother Alicio Andres Jr., Uncle Tom Ford, Uncle Frank and Aunt Carmen Murray, Aunt Lynn and Uncle Ed Marzi, Aunt Puddie Agdamag, and Neice Amy Edwards.
Celebration of Life Service: Evergreen Church, Burien WA
Sunday, October 26th. 2:00 – 6:00pm
Officiant: Pastor Cheryl Metcalf
Casket Bearers: Jeff Murray
Dennis Estes
David Coleman
Stuart Gardner
Steve Edwards
Byron Larson
Denise’s heart was truly that of a gentle warrior as evidenced by her love for our Moms In Prayer International group at Seattle Christian Schools. Her faith, kindness and generosity touched so many. We are blessed to have known her.
I am so very sorry for the loss of Denise, she had the most wonderful laugh in high school. I am so happy to see her rich life in Jesus and knowing she is free from sickness forever. Your family is in my prayers….
My wife and I have grown to love Denise through her touch of the love of the Lord towards us. Her counsel has hoped me a very personal way. We love you Denise and look very forward in meeting you in heaven in our spiritual life.
Our family want to express our deepest sorrow. Earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal. Sully we love you and pray for you and your family.Monty you are in our prayers as well as your family.
Much Love,
The Harrington’s
I am at a loss for words Monty. Pastor Larry just told me last night. Ann is so sad. D and Karen were her mainstays when she was battling that hellish disease. I see she put out the vase that Denise gave her when she had cancer. This is sad but D is having the time of her life speaking with Jesus and holding your children in her arms. I love you man and may Jesus be your comfort and strength. She just beat us to heaven is all.
Monty, my love and prayers are with you and the family. Denise and Karen were my strength when I was fighting. She did rise on eagles wings, no more sorrow no more pain. Now Dancing with the lord of the dance. I will see you later my sister.
Monty,
I am sending my thoughts and prayers to you all. I am so sad to hear Denise has passed. I have always considered her a friend and a strong woman in life and in her faith. I will spend My time thinking of our Quaker memories and also the ones we had from United Indians. Hope your faith carries you forward.
I am saddened and send my deepest condolences. I pray for your strength in your time of sorrow. Denise was a beautiful woman, who I always remembered. When I attended Indian Heritage high school, it was women like her that taught me how to carry myself. I will keep her family in my prayers.
I know where Denise has gone right in the Father’s arms! I will miss her very much, but some day I will see her again! Monty I know there are no words to express to you how sorry I am for Denise departure, only time and God can lessen this pain and sorrow. I just want to say I love you and all the family with a Christ love!
My heart is broken at the news of the passing of this great woman who I came to know as a mother. Denise took on the role as another mother and Monty a father figure during my teenage years to my older brother, older sister and myself. I have several cherished memories, majority of them with her cooking a delicious meal along with a decadent desert, followed by watching sports or a movie Denise would force us to watch. 🙂 Always a lots of laughs no matter what! My only regret is not saying thank you enough to this Beautiful Soul, my thoughts are with Uncle Mont and Grama Maur and the rest of her loved ones. I take comfort in knowing we will see our loved one again. Love and comfort thank you for sharing her with us
Monty Im so sorry for your incrediable loss. The burden god has put on you at this time in your life is not easly understood. but one thing I know your faith is so amazing and it will pull you through this very difficult time. Monty sorry I did not contact you earlier I dont have any good contact information for you anymore. I would. appreciate you dropping me and email or call me my number is 701-400-3323. Monty you have always been an amazing friend I would really like to visit with you if yiu are up for it.