Obituary of June Marie Larson

June Larson, beloved wife of Vern, (54 years), both of Calgary, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at the age of 77 years. During her high school years at Carstairs June obtained her Licentiate in Piano. She graduated from the University of Alberta and taught school at Lacombe and Calgary before becoming a secretary in the legal profession until the birth of her children. June and Vern loved traveling and they made their first of many trips to Europe in 1958, on the “fly now, pay later” plan, to the horror of her parents. After visiting Vern’s aunts in Sweden they traveled to Brussels for the Worlds Fair, as well as several other major cities. June and Vern enjoyed nine years living in Toronto. During this time, June became involved with the Arts sub-chapter of the Etobicoke University Women’s club headed by Earla Alexander, as well as a contemporary quilting group. These two art forms became her life-long passions. Somehow she found time to raise her family and read hundreds of art and historical books, biographies and mysteries. She studied quilting under the tutelage of Nancy Crow at several quilting workshops. She was thrilled when one of her contemporary quilts was purchased by the Alberta Government and another was exhibited at the Olympics in Atlanta. For the past twenty-five years June and Vern were accomplished and enthusiastic ballroom dancers at the Dance Connection. June competed with her instructor Miro Bartosz at the silver and gold levels in competitions in Florida and elsewhere in the US and Canada. June will be remembered lovingly by her sister, Barbara (Cliff) Moulder of North Bay; children, Carla of Toronto, Vanessa (Mark) Larson Gilks of Perth, Craig (Karen) of Short Hills, NJ and two grandchildren, Lindsey and Ian. She was predeceased by her parents Alta Dunphy MacDougall and Archie MacDougall of Carstairs. A Celebration Of June’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway’s “Park Memorial Chapel” (5008 Elbow Drive South West) on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 1:00 PM. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. In living memory of June Larson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.