Obituary of Eva Vianna Larson

Eva Larson, 89, of Niles, passed away in her home Sunday evening, with her daughter by her side, following an extended illness. Eva was born and raised in Valparaiso, IN., the oldest daughter of Helen (Schwartz) and William Brown. She is survived by siblings Florence (Weedie) Brown and Wallace Brown. She was predeceased by brothers Alvin, Bill and Charlie, sister Marilyn and her parents. Eva came to Niles in 1945 when she wed Keith R. Larson. They celebrated 65 years of marriage prior to Keith's passing in early 2011. She is survived by her children; Jack (Diane) Larson, Ed (Marge) Larson, Margaret Larson and Larry (Jeanine) Larson. She was blessed with six grandchildren, Cassandra, Stephen, Geoffrey, Todd, Heather and Amy as well as 11 great-grandchildren. As a young woman Eva worked, among other things, as a telephone operator; however once her children arrived, she was a devoted and active homemaker. She was greatly involved in the lives and activities of her family and travelled extensively to share special events with her children and their families. She was a founding member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles and served the Church in various capacities through the years including as a CCD teacher, Eucharistic minister, a member of the Christian Mother's group and as a funeral dinner volunteer. Eva was also an original member of the Homemaker's Club of Niles and continued to meet monthly for lunch with "the club gals" until her health prevented it. She was a dedicated volunteer at Pawating/Lakeland Hospital in Niles amassing over 8500 hours during her tenure with the majority of those coming in the surgery waiting room where she was the volunteer chairperson for many years. Eva's family would like to thank the entire staff of Hospice at Home of Saint Joseph for the guidance, kindness and care they provided to Mom as she completed her journey. We especially want to recognize Sara, Amanda and Jackie for being there to assist, answer questions and provide support no matter the hour. In lieu of flowers we request that memorial donations be made to Hospice at Home 4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, MI 49085. The family would also like to thank Brother Dennis Meyers of St. Mark Church for his support, spiritual care and guidance during Mom's confinement.