Arlene Wood Larson

Arlene Wood Larson, born November 5th, 1939, passed away on October 3rd, 2016 surrounded by her husband Leland, sister Carole-Anne, son Gregory, daughter Laura and son-in-law Joe.

Arlene was born in Mt. Vernon, New York to Gerald & Anne Wood, who shared true love and loved and supported their daughters with all they had. As a little girl (almost seven years old) Arlene met a young boy, eleven years old, on a stoop near their home but we will get to that later. Arlene attended New Paltz State University in New York and worked in publishing and real estate, but her true passion was fulfilled as a wonderful wife and mother. Arlene married Bill Hankinson in Mt. Vernon and was blessed with her son Gregory in 1963. After their divorce Arlene was reunited with that boy from the stoop, Leland, and so continued their love story. In 1983 they wed in Florida and Arlene gained four daughters, whom she loved dearly. Leland, an airline pilot, and Arlene prepared for their life together traveling when a little surprise came along, their daughter Laura. Most women don''t separate their children''s age by 20 years, but then again, Arlene wasn''t like most women.

Leland, Arlene and Laura traveled the world while living in Connecticut and Germany. In 1992 they settled in Georgia, where they remained until now. Greg and his wife Grace moved from California to Georgia in 1995 to be closer. Arlene focused on her family and friends, bringing kindness and joy wherever she went. She was the "best mama" and anyone who met her described her as the nicest lady. Mama was also known to worry some (okay, a lot), so please be sure to always have a sweater, drive carefully and when in doubt, spray it with lysol.

Arlene described Leland as her rock and their unconditional love is something rare and beautiful. Arlene''s life was full and she will truly be missed by so many. The last three years of her life challenged her in terms of health obstacles but they did not define her. Through her illnesses Arlene was inspired to share her life through her "blog" and we are blessed to have her stories and recipes written so beautifully and with such flare and humor! Arlene lost her daughter-in-law Grace just two weeks before her own passing, so heaven has added two extraordinary angels to watch over us.

Arlene is also survived by her sister Carole-Anne and her family, and her four stepdaughters and their families: Victoria, her husband Pete and children Alexandra and Preston, Jennifer and her husband Bud, Kristen and her daughter Jacquelyn, Andrea and her husband Tommy and their son Nicholas. The family appreciates your kind words, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held at Byars Funeral Home Friday, October 7, 2016 at 6:30 pm. The address is 155 Professional Park Drive, Cumming, Georgia 30040.

In lieu of flowers, for Arlene loved all children dearly, please visit the memorial page for Arlene through St. Jude''s Children''s Hospital to donate in her honor:
giftfunds.stjude.org/arlenelarson