Mary Jean Larsen
April 17, 1945 — Aug. 2, 2021
Mary Jean Larsen, 76, a longtime Tuolumne County resident, passed away at Doctors Memorial Hospital on Aug. 2.
Mary was born April 17, 1945, in San Francisco to Herman V. Berntsen and Lorraine M. Berntsen. She also had a brother, Raymond V. Berntsen, who was born in San Francisco in 1947. When Mary was 6 years old the family moved to Sonora, where her father pursued work as a plumbing contractor. Mary attended Sonora Elementary School at the Dome. She attended Sonora Union High School where she was student body treasurer her senior year. During high school she met Daryl Larsen, and they became high school sweethearts. Mary and Daryl married in 1966.
After high school, Mary worked for California State Automobile Association for three years. After marriage she was able to travel with Daryl while he was in the Air Force. During that time she worked as a bank teller in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Burns, Oregon. After returning to Sonora in 1970, she was a stay-at-home mom for a few years then began a career as a real estate agent, which she pursued for 38 years before her retirement. During those 38 years she worked for Century 21 (Mike Macon and Jack Cassinetto), Segerstrom Realty and Realty World Wilson. She also found time to help out with the family cattle operation.
Mary and Daryl had two children. Stacy, born in 1969, and Greg, born in 1972. Even after she started working, she always made time to support the children in their school activities and sports. Even with the busy work and school schedule, she took great pride in preparing a daily family sitdown supper and discussing the day’s activities. Mary was also very proud of her grandchildren. She followed their school and sports activities very closely.
Mary was preceded in death by her mother and father, Herman and Lorraine Berntsen, and her brother, Raymond Berntsen.
Mary is survived by her husband of 55 years, Daryl Larsen; children and their spouses, Stacy and Abel Luna, of Clovis, and Greg and Maria Larsen, of Sonora. Mary is also survived by her grandchildren, Kailyne Luna, Kylie Luna, Ansel Larsen and Elliot Larsen.
At Mary’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial services. Cremation is planned, and inurnment will be at Mountain Shadow Cemetery in Sonora. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Notices
ARMBRIGHT — A celebration of life for Donald “Donnie” Marion Armbright will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at Terzich and Wilson Funeral home, 225 E. Rose at Lyons Street in Sonora. Mr. Armbright, 59, died July 15 at his home in Sonora. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
DUNLAP — Julie Dunlap, 61, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, at her home in Soulsbyville. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
ESPINOSA — Daniel A. Espinosa, 79, of Jamestown, died Wednesday, Aug. 11, at his home. Sierra Cremation and Burial Service is handling arrangements.
FONG — Former Sonora resident Herbert Fong, 81, of Hollister, died Thursday, Aug. 5, at Kaiser Foundation Hospital in San Jose. Cremation is planned, and a celebration of life will be held in Hollister. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling cremation arrangements.
SCOTT — Peggy Jean Scott, 96, died Wednesday, Aug. 11, at her home in Groveland. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling cremation arrangements.