Mary L. Larson, 71, passed away on July 9, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones, after a brief but intense battle with a severe infection.

Mary was born July 13, 1953. She spent her childhood on a farm in the Hungry Hills near Montello, Wisconsin. She graduated from UWSP in 1976 with a degree in Education, and then married her longtime college boyfriend, Joe Larson. Their life together would ultimately span 49 years. They were also blessed with three children and eventually, five beloved grandchildren.

After graduation Mary ran a home daycare, then took a job as an Aide in the Special Education department of PJ Jacobs Junior High. She had a special love and talent for working with EBD students, and remained there for most of her career. She had many interests and as an adult she got her CNA license, taking some extra training in hospice care. She worked at local assisted living centers and enjoyed spending time with the seniors.

Mary wrote and published Hungry Hills Stories, a memoir about growing up in the country. She also wrote Good-Heart Medicine, which Joe edited and published after her death.

She loved reading, playing card games, dominoes, and watching Brewers and Packers games. She enjoyed walking and would bike the Green Circle trail in her free time. Although biking was no longer possible during the final chapters of her life, she never gave up on the idea of getting back out there. She was an excellent cook, and took delight in baking bread and her “Tastes Better than Cupcakes” granola.

Mary was a genuine and accepting person, and you could count on her to be direct and to the point. She was clear about her own end of life desires, and the family finds peace in having served as her voice when she could no longer speak.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Lila McFarlin, and by siblings Gene, Dennis, Kathy Morrical, Mike, Jim, and Lona Hardell. She is survived by her siblings Paula Knutson, Lori Murphy, and Gordon McFarlin, as well as her husband Joe Larson, their children Samantha Alvarez, Erik Larson, and Kelly Tielens (Tim), and grandchildren Serafina Larson, Rowan Tielens, Juniper Tielens, Joseph G. “Buggy” Larson, and Kai Alvarez. 

Visitation will be held at Boston Funeral Home in Stevens Point from Noon to 2:30 pm on Sunday, July 20. A time for sharing of memories will be held in the same location from 2:30 to 3:00 pm. A private burial will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please support the Portage County Public Library, one of Mary’s favorite places.