Sarah Catherine Larson

     Sarah Catherine Larson, 90, of Rawlins, Wyoming, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, devotion, and a lifetime of caring for others with unwavering commitment.

     Sarah was born to Willis and Agnes (Callaghan) Schermerhorn on May 30 1934 in Carbondale, Pennsylvania into a proud Irish Catholic family, including her brothers Thomas and John. Sarah was a graduate of Fell High School in Carbondale. She worked in the commercial department of Bell Telephone in Philadelphia. Life took an unexpected but beautiful turn when this East Coast girl met a Wyoming cowboy-turned-Navy man, Gaylord Thomas “GT” Larson. Their love story became one of adventure, resilience, and unwavering partnership, weathering moves across the country before settling in Rawlins, where they spent the last 47 years. Their recent celebration of 68 years of marriage was a reflection of their deep love and devotion.

     As a mother of nine—eight sons and one daughter—Sarah devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. She provided love, guidance, and support, ensuring that each of her children felt valued and cared for. And, perhaps most impressively, she somehow managed to put up with all their shenanigans—whether it was the endless noise, the mischief, or the wild ideas only a house full of kids could come up with. She handled it all with grace and patience, making sure that through every challenge, her family was always surrounded by love.

     Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where laughter was abundant and love was unconditional. Her family grew to include 26 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished dearly. Grandma was wise, present and without judgment for her wonderfully unpredictable and diverse family.

     Her deep sense of compassion extended beyond her family, as she spent over 3 decades volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul, living out her faith in service to others. She had a gift for making people feel seen and cared for, whether through her acts of kindness, her gentle wisdom, or simply her presence. And then there was her smile and laugh—radiant, warm, and capable of lighting up an entire room. They lifted spirits, brought people together, and made the world feel a little brighter.

     She found joy in quilting, playing solitaire, accompanying GT on his many camping, fishing and hunting trips, time spent with her family, and the simple pleasures of everyday life. She also loved people watching in cities unknown and took great pleasure in exploring whether in Seattle during Dad's naval years there, San Diego where she raised her children in Murphy Canyon or visiting family in the wilds of Berkeley, California. She was a steady and comforting force, always there when she was needed, and she will be deeply missed.

     She leaves behind a family forever grateful for the love she gave so freely and the example she set in faith, generosity, and resilience. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit—and that unforgettable smile and laugh—will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

     Sarah Catherine Larson is survived by her husband of 68 years, Gaylord T Larson, and by her nine children, Tom (Rachel), Joe (Renae), Peter (Theresa), Paul (Margaret), John (Dana), Mary ( John), Larry (Brenda), Jimmy (Diane), Bill (Larisa). Her grandchildren are Jeromy, Andrew Jason, David, Nathan, Simon, Sarah, Amy, Little Joe, Kris, Noah, Eli, Lucy, Sam, David, Zachary, Anthony, Jacob, Catherine, Deacon, Arabella, Quinn, Liam, John, Joseph, Bridgette, Wyatt, Waylon, William. Her great grandchildren are Royal, Rome, Isaac, Josiah, Grace, William, Jonathan, Emma, Kru, Armonie, Jace, Jojo.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Rawlins Cemetery. A Rosary and Vigil will take place on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM at St. Joseph’s.

In honor of her lifelong dedication to others, the family requests donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul, reflecting the values she held dear.