Obituary of Helen Ruth Larsen

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Passed away peacefully at Conestoga Lodge, Kitchener on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the age of 103 years.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Anne Arajs (John deceased 2009), nephew John Pitkethly (Mavis), grandchildren Amy Maggio (Ryan), Amanda Freeman (Jamie), Christopher Arajs (Becky), David Arajs (Lina), Steven, Jeffrey, and Corey Larsen and their mothers Nancy York and Melissa Taylor. Great-Grandchildren Connor and Cooper Maggio, Nora and Penny Freeman, Hannah and Joey Arajs.

Predeceased by her husband Peder (2002), sisters Harriet Lockhart (1982) and Isobel Pitkethly (2013), son Peder Larsen (2009) and his wife Carol (2023), and son Bill Larsen (2018).

Known as a grandmother to many others, especially Sarah Quirt and her son Jacob. 

Born and raised in Ottawa, she graduated from Lisgar Collegiate. Loving wife to Peder Larsen, together they raised a family and lived in England, Ottawa, Toronto, “Fossil’s Folly” near Coburg, and Kitchener during their nearly sixty years of marriage. Ruth’s talent and gift for building and maintaining relationships cultivated a vast network of dear friends and neighbours, including  fellow congregants at Knox Waterloo, who loved her hospitality, warmth, and humour. 

Ruth’s family express their most profound gratitude and appreciation for the love and exceptional care provided by Conestoga Lodge, and to Bev of the Kitchener Public Library visiting service for 18 years of volunteering help. 

Ruth was adored by those who were lucky enough to call her family and friend. She was loved and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Sat. April 13, 2024 from 12:00 to 12:45 pm. The funeral service will follow in the chapel of the funeral home at 1:00 pm, followed by a reception in the Fireside Reception Room. 

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family may be expressed with donations to Knox Presbyterian Waterloo, the Kitchener Public Library in support of “Visiting Library” services and/or audio books, or the CNIB, and may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S. Waterloo at www.erbgood.com