IOLANDA (EILEEN) LARSEN
May 17, 1926 – September 9, 2024
Iolanda (98) passed away at her daughter’s home in Sudbury. Predeceased by her husband Rolf Larsen in 1995. Survived by four children, Sandra Larsen of Ottawa, Terra Larsen (Fred Breaks) of Sudbury, Rocky Larsen (Heather) of Capreol and Dawn Chew (John Land) of Sudbury; three grandchildren, Gillian Crozier (Bruce Hannah) of Ancaster, Ontario, Bryan Chew (Emma Williamson) and Kyle Chew (Michelle Cochrane) of Toronto; her cherished great-grandchildren Erik and Austin Chew. Predeceased by her sister Mary Downie and her brother Pat Melloni. Iolanda was aunt to Mary Lynn Hill of Grand Bend, Ontario, John Downie (predeceased 2014), Dale Downie and Janet Downie of London, Ontario and Carol Pepino of Sooke, B.C. Iolanda grew up in London, Ontario in a large household of two Italian immigrant families, four adults and eight children. She was the last surviving person from that household. Growing up in a combined household, her cousins were like her brothers and sisters. Iolanda grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. While her brother and male cousins were serving the Canadian Armed Forces in Europe, Iolanda as a young teenager helped the morale of the young soldiers, sailors and airmen who were away from home in training near London, by dancing with them at the London arena. They danced to big bands like Guy Lombardo and several American big bands like Louis Armstrong. Iolanda and Rolf were married in 1946 and moved to Sudbury in 1952. She loved gardening. In 1973 Rolf and Iolanda (Eileen) bought a farm at Hilly Grove near Manitowaning on Manitoulin Island where they spent their summers. Iolanda often served as a surrogate mother and grandmother. There was often an additional place at the dinner table for friends of her children. Iolanda enjoyed being a member of the Red Hat Society for several years. Family and friends may gather at Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch Street, Sudbury on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 11 am to 1 pm. Prayers and Words of Remembrance at 11:15 am, followed by fellowship celebrating her life. Donations to the Maison McCullouch Hospice. Cremation entrusted to the Parklawn Crematorium. www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com.
