LARKIN, Mabel M.

Mabel M. Larkin, 81, of Phoenix, passed on to be with the Lord on August 15, 2002. Her sweetness and gentle smile will be missed by everyone who knew her. She was born to Finnish immigrant parents in Ely, Minnesota on March 8, 1921. She was a state diving champion, gifted pianist, schoolteacher, social worker, devoted wife, and wonderful mother and grandmother. She married Reuben E. Larkin on Sept. 20, 1947 in Minnesota. In 1949 they moved to Omaha, Nebraska where they raised their four children. In 1978 they moved to Phoenix, then to Ahwatukee in 1986. Her husband preceded her in death in 1987. Mabel's memory is cherished by her four children: son and daughter-in-law David and Susan Larkin, daughter Cathy Thomas, daughter and son-in-law Sue and Allan Duckworth, and son and daughter-in-law Jim and Dawn Larkin, all of the Phoenix area. She was so proud of her 9 grandchildren and loved them all: Wyatt Larkin, Tim and Allyson Thomas, Sarah, Alex and Carolyn Duckworth, and Matthew, Meghan, and Daniel Larkin. Graveside service Friday, August 23, 2002 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, followed by a memorial gathering for family and friends at the home of Sue & Allan Duckworth. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mabel's name be made to the Alzheimers Association. 1028 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85006. The Arizona Republic August 18, 2002