Marcella Horihan Larson

Marcella Horihan Larson died peacefully on August 22, 2024, at home with her children at her side, in Green Valley, Ariz. A celebration of life will be held in Minnesota when the weather warms and travel arrangements can be made by out of state family, likely in the fall of 2025.

Marcy was born in Lanesboro, Minn., to Emmit Horihan and Cora Skauge on March 15, 1934. She was the fourth of seven children and grew up happily on the family farm north of Mabel.

After graduating high school, she trained at the Mayo Clinic to be a histology technician. On April 10, 1954, she married Lee Larson in California, where he was stationed at the El Toro Marine Base. They moved to Anaheim, then Whittier, Calif., where they raised five children.

Marcy worked part time as a pathology tech while raising her family, before landing her “dream job” working for the Los Angeles County Coroner. She worked directly with Thomas Naguchi who was well known because he was the coroner for many famous people of that time: Marilyn Monroe, RFK and Sharon Tate. She loved the job and the people she worked with.

Lee’s work brought the family back to Mabel, Minn., in 1972, where Marcy worked as a caregiver at Green Lea Manor. Then in the early ‘80s they were lured back to the sunshine of the west coast and new employment opportunities in Tucson, Ariz. There Marcy worked as a histology technician for the VA hospital until her retirement in 2001. She was known for her witty sense of humor, brutal honesty and kindness. One heck of a combo.  She was a favorite of co-workers and residents, alike.

In 1987 Marcy and Lee moved to their forever home in Green Valley, Ariz. They enjoyed many happy years there in the company of numerous friends and family. Marcy enjoyed reading, sewing quilts for special occasions, and baking alongside her grandchildren. She especially loved babies, cookies, and playing card games with her grandkids, family, and friends. 

Our mom was the epitome of a nice person. To know her was to love her. She was sure of herself and of her values. She would fight for them and her family. She was a happy, loving, funny, and compassionate lady that valued honesty and integrity. She rolled with the punches and didn’t tolerate fools or bullies. She celebrated when others succeeded and empathized with those who struggled. She complained little and was happy with the simple things in life. 

Marcy was preceded in death by her husband Lee. 

She is survived by her five children: Cindy (Marty) Wyzga, Jim (LeAnn) Larson, Shelly (Ed) Johnson, Monica (Al) Otterness, and Robert (Laurie) Larson; 15 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

Condolences can be sent to: Shelly Johnson, 270 E Los Rincones, Green Valley, Ariz.  85614.