Beverly Larson

June 7, 1932 - February 26, 2016

Beverly La Roche Larson aka “Auntie Berrie” June 7, 1932 – February 26, 2016 Beverly La Roche Larson passed away and arrived to her heavenly home on February 26, 2016 after a long, brave and courageous fight with Alzheimer’s. Just a day before her passing she was surrounded by her devoted Tony, her two nieces, Linda and Amanda and her niece's husband Drew Lawler. Beverly was born in Laconia, New Hampshire to Peter and Edna La Roche and was older sister to Norma. After spending her childhood years in New Hampshire the family moved out west and settled in the San Fernando Valley. She attended and graduated Canoga Park High. She later attended Cal State Northridge, where she majored in business administration and specializing in accounting. She held various jobs to pay her way through college and support herself. Always a tenacious and hard worker she ended up being hired at Jim Harper & Assoc., a business management firm with numerous entertainment clients in Studio City. At this time she met and briefly married Jim Larson. And not long after her divorce she met a handsome Air Force colonel Tony who was “her beau” and friend off and on throughout her life. After many years she passed the exam and became a CPA. She then took a bold step and started her own accounting business in North Hollywood. One of her favorite clients was Edgar and Francis Bergen (and Charlie McCarthy). While she was busy running her accounting business she went back to school to get her MBA at Golden Gate in LA. And later on added stockbroker to her resume. She was a firm believer that education was the key to getting ahead. In fact, when her two beloved nieces Linda and Amanda didn't have the finances to go to college she was determined to make sure they did. She tirelessly researched colleges with scholarships, grants, loans etc...helped fill out forms, essays, made calls and persevered till they both got accepted and had the money to attend USC and Mount St. Mary's. Beverly was nicknamed “Auntie Berrie” by her nieces and that name stuck with the next generation: her great nephew Ryan and great niece Katie. She was an animal lover, especially when it came to dogs. And when it was time to have some fun or relax she always enjoyed a good glass of champagne and an evening out at a nice restaurant. In her later years, she enjoyed watching the old movies on TCM. Even though Beverly's small frame was barely 4' 11” she was strong, bold, tenacious, smart and opinionated. She was a beauty in her day and always dressed well for all occasions. When she turned 65 she retired and moved to Palm Desert. She loved her quiet, peaceful community and the desert heat. She especially enjoyed her morning walks around her neighborhood talking with God. Her faith got stronger in her sunset years. Tony rejoined her here and the two of them enjoyed some fun times going to shows and good restaurants until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Beverly was blessed during those difficult years with Tony's unwavering love and devotion and Elsa's faithful care. She will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. http://alzfdn.org/