Paula Larsen

Paula Emily Capochiano "Nana" Larsen passed away on June 7, 2015 in Ignacio, Colorado at age 75. She was born January 25, 1940 in Newport, Rhode Island to Americo Capochiano and Lillian Sanches. She graduated from Rogers High School in Newport in 1957 and then attended and graduated from Newport School of Nursing in 1960. She entered the Navy Nurse Corps right after graduation traveling to some of her favorite locations including Subic Bay and the Philippines. She ended her career in the Navy after 7 years as a Lieutenant. In May of 1967, Paula married Ray Larsen and they raised two daughters together along with Ray's other children, while Ray continued his career in the Navy until 1975.
In 1979 they relocated to Ignacio, where Paula continued nursing and received her degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences School graduating Magna Cum Laude while getting her RN license. This degree lead her to one of her favorite jobs as school nurse for the Ignacio School District. Her passion has always been about children. She was a leader in the Class of 2000 project to encourage students to pledge to stay away from smoking. She also enjoyed learning about her family ancestry and loved sharing that. Her family, children, and grandchildren meant the world to her. Her faith in the Lord sustained her and she left an amazing legacy for her family.
Paula is survived by her husband, Ray Larsen, her brothers Michael and Ralph Capochiano, her daughters Patricia Webster and Kirsten Westbrook, and her step-children Lani Lacey, Linda Bontrager, Richard Larsen, and Dena Bunch. She was adored by her 25 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She will be missed by all that had the privilege and the pleasure of her company.
There will be a memorial service held for Paula at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at Ignacio Community Church.