Obituary of Molly Christina Podas Larson

A great light has gone out in this earthly realm, but no doubt shines on brightly in the next. That inimitable light, filled with joy, compassion and love, came to this world a mere 44 years ago in the spirit of Molly Christina Podas Larson. During her time here, her light shone brightly, penetrating even the dark forces of terrible illness, to illuminate the best life has to offer. It was apparent early-on there was something special about Molly - her grade school teacher wrote that “Molly is every child’s dream of a best friend.” That devotion to others held true to the very end, when Molly passed to the stars. From there, she will continue to shine her light of love – her indelible legacy - on the multitude of family, friends, and acquaintances she touched, nurtured and inspired.

Survived by her parents Christine and Kent; sister Linnea and sister-in-law LaToya; Mazie - her joy and emotional support dog; aunts Cynthia and Jeanne (Jose); cousins Jennifer (Dean), Marguerite, Christina, Lisa (Victor) and Paul; dear Sean; wonderful roommate Ali; and a host of friends and family. Preceded by her grandparent angels, William and Nancy Podas and Stig and Edith Larson and her uncle Dale.

Her family is grateful for the tremendous care provided to Molly by all those in the health care system who treated and nurtured her – including doctors, nurses, clinic staff, food servers and custodial workers - at the University of Minnesota and other health care facilities. The family also wants to acknowledge all who helped stimulate Molly’s love of learning, reading, and the classics, which brought her such great pleasure and made her endlessly fascinating.

To honor her deep love of Montessori education, memorials are preferred to the Montessori Center of Minnesota.

A celebration of Molly’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 5 at 11:00 am at Unity Church-Unitarian, 733 Portland Avenue, Saint Paul.