Elizabeth Larson

Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Larson ("Gram"), 95, of Orange City, Florida passed away on January 25th 2023 surrounded by love.

Gram was born on the 31st of October 1927 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, baptized as Elizabeth Jean Pederson (however she went by Betty most of her life). She was the first child of Margaret and Alfred Pederson. She and her family moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin very early in her life where she attended St. Patrick's School until high school graduation in 1945. While in high school she worked at Sacred Heart Hospital, Kresge's five and dime, and a book binder.

After graduation she worked at National Pressure Cooker (aka "Presto") until she married Vernon (Vern) James Larson in 1954.

Vern and Betty met at Wissota View (on the shore of Lake Wissota) in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She was attending a party after work with a group of co-workers. He was hanging out with two of his army buddies. There was this handsome fella that caught her eye, she would say. They were married June 19th 1954 in St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

He loved the outdoors and would often drag Betty out camping which she grew to enjoy.

She and Vern lived in Madison until 1960, then moved to St. Paul, Minnesota. Three years later in 1963, when they had their fill of ice and snow, they made Central Florida their home, where they enjoyed the sunshine and sandy beaches.

She worked for the US Postal service for many decades and retired. Boredom sent her back to school, earning a college degree and starting her own business, A&B Upholstery, until she retired again, but shortly found herself working in the office for a local Department Store.

She was predeceased by her husband Vern who passed away on Dec 21st, 1993, she never remarried. She had three younger brothers, Earl, James (Jim) and Richard (Dick) and one younger sister, Mary, all of whom also predeceased Betty. She also lost her grandson Daniel (Danny) Wassman on April 18th, 2018.

She is survived by her children: Cindy Wassman Fouts, David Larson and Paul Larson; her grandchildren: Danielle Shuler (by marriage), Chris Wassman, Nate Fouts, Sarah Salviejo, Justin Fouts, Megan Diffee, Cheyenne Larson, Phoenix Larson, Trevor Larson and Emily Larson; and her great-grandchildren Tyler Wassman, Brittany Kerley, Jonathan (Tol) Wassman, Eowyn Wassman, Thomas Wassman, Matthias Wassman, Wyatt Salviejo, Keegan Salviejo, Riley Fouts and Baby Diffee due in July 2023.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 3rd from 6-8:30pm at Highland Funeral Home, 3329 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka FL. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 4th, 1:30pm at Annunciation Catholic Church, 1020 Montgomery Rd., Altamonte Springs, FL. 32714. Betty will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens immediately following.