Katherine Larson

Born in Cambridge, England, in 1954, she lived much of her early life in California, as well as several years of international travel including stints in Japan, India, Italy, and England. After attending Stanford University, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of California at San Diego, and Harvard Law School, she practiced law in New York City and Cleveland, Ohio.

In 2002, an episode of cancer persuaded her to follow a long-held dream and leave law practice. Larson taught high school mathematics and writing for twelve years before moving to Marquette. As a free-lance writer and editor she edited, authored, or co-authored over a dozen books and articles and served as the “At the Table” columnist for Marquette Monthly. She also served as adjunct professor in NMU’s Political Science Department, and taught cooking classes at the Marquette Food Co-op.

She was sensitive to the needs of the underdog and the outsider. In her personal life, Larson was a voracious reader, an imaginative cook, and an enthusiastic member of the Marquette Choral Society.

Despite her wide-ranging interests, her family mattered the most.

Katherine is survived by her husband, Bruce Larson; by her daughters Karen Donato (Neil) of Canton, MI; Sarah Roumas (Nicholas) of Hudson, MA; Laura Jenks Robinson (Rashaad) of New York, NY; and by her grandchildren Alyssa and Ava Donato and Anthony and Theodore Roumas. Other survivors include her sisters Nicole Byrd of Atlanta, GA and Jacqueline Wender (Paul) of Menlo Park, CA.

The family will receive relatives and friends at a memorial service at the Messiah Lutheran Church on Monday, November 25, at 11:00 am. Rev. Dr. Andrew Plocher will officiate. A reception will follow in Magnuson Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Katherine’s memory can be made to the Marquette Choral Society (PO Box 204, Marquette, MI 49855) or to U.P. Home Health and Hospice (1125 W. Ridge St., Marquette, MI 49855).

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.