Lifelong resident of West Seattle, Jessie Leah (Sheppard) Larson, passed away peacefully October 9, 2007 at the age of 84. After a brief illness and hospital visit her life ended at Parkwest Care Center. Jessie is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Arthur L. Larson, three sons John (Ana), James (Marilyn) and Todd (Maureen), three grandchildren Todd, Jr., Brianna and Caitlin, niece Marianne Rouse, nephew Edward Reichenback, Jr., and broad extended family including her personal caregiver LaNisha McCoy.

Jessie firmly believed that most things of any importance could b accomplished without leaving West Seattle. The one exception was 30 years of summering with family and friends at her home on Lake Cushman on the Olympic Peninsula. An avid gardener, bridge and cribbage player, bowler, golfer, chef, seamstress and friends to many, Jessie believed in pulling her own weight and doing the same or more for those who couldn't Jessie was very proud of her baseball skills as a young lady. She prided herself on being her Dad's "boy" which meant she was not afraid to tackle the most difficult of projects. She loved to teach and nurture children with whom she had a special affinity for communicating and enriching their lives on many levels. Not one to gather any moss her greatest satisfaction in life was helping and caring for her family and friends. Jessie's philosophy on life was to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. She left us in her own words after "a good long run and a full life". Jessie was loved by many and will be missed.

At Jessie's request there will be no funeral or memorial service. She was a 40 year member of People's Memorial Association and held a no nonsense view in making her final arrangement's. A private remembrance and celebration of her life will be held by family members at a later date.