Obituary : Mary S. Larsen
Mary S. Larsen died on January 17 in Stuart, Fla. She was born on March 29, 1926, in Oak Bluffs to Stanley M. Smith and Marguerite G. (Simpson) Smith. Mary grew up in Edgartown and graduated from the Edgartown High School with honors. After graduation, she moved to Boston to attend the Chandler Business School. While attending Chandler, the president of the M.V. National Bank offered her a job. She moved back to the Island and shortly thereafter met the love of her life, Captain Louis S. Larsen of Chilmark. They were married on April 24, 1947, and they settled into their home in Chilmark.
Soon, their home became a central hub of the town. Her door was always open to the regulars that came for coffee, to the children that came to play, and to anyone who had no place to go.
Mary began her 46 year career for the Town of Chilmark as Assistant Town Clerk. In 1969, she took a brief hiatus from the town to start Larsen's Fish Market with her husband. She returned to the town as town clerk from 1972 to 1976 and as executive secretary from 1976 until her retirement in 1995.
As if working and raising a family (often alone while her husband was fishing) wasn't enough, she volunteered for many things within her community. She was den mother for the Cub Scouts, a 4H leader, a reading tutor for children with challenges, and served for many years on the MVRHS school committee, to name a few.
Mary believed in sharing the blessings in her life and gave generously to her family and to those who are less fortunate.
She loved to read, do crossword puzzles, play games (when she won), and to travel, but most of all she loved her family, her friends, and her community.
One of the biggest highlights of her life was the surprise 60th wedding anniversary party her family and friends held for her and her husband. It was such a comfort to know that she knew how much she is loved.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Louis; her son Daniel and his wife, Marie; her daughter Kristine and her fiancée, Kirk; her son Louis and his wife, Beth; and her daughter Betsy and her husband, Bob. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and one on the way. She is survived by her brother Nelson and his wife, Ann; her brother Michael and his wife, Lucie; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, her three brothers Bill, Mark, and Georgie, and her three sisters Kay, Carole, and Diane.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Martha's Vineyard Hospital, P.O. Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557; or the Vineyard Nursing Association, P.O. Box 399, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
Arrangements were under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs. Please visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.
"To the world you are one person, but to us you are the world.
