Celeste Larkin
June 17, 1919 ~ March 6, 2011
Celeste Larkin, 91, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, March 6, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 10, 2011, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, with Rev. Christopher Podhajsky presiding. Visitation: 4 ' 7 p.m. Wednesday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service at 6 p.m. Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Survivors include her children, Patty (Jim) Clarke of Iowa City, Mike (Ronnie) Larkin of Dubuque, Dennis (Connie) Larkin of Denver, Colorado, and Jean (Jim) Tosoni of Omaha, Nebraska; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren, with another expected in May. Also a sister, Genevieve Tucker of Floyds Knobs, Indiana; and two brothers, Gerald Dolan of San Diego, California and Joseph Dolan of Wausau, Wisconsin. Celeste was born June 17, 1919, in Clinton, Iowa, the daughter of John and Ella (McLaughlin) Dolan. She graduated from St. Patrick's School in 1936. On October 24, 1940, Celeste married Eugene Larkin, in Cedar Rapids. Celeste had a lifelong commitment to caring for the families of her parish and school. She loved being around the students and helping them along the way by working in the cafeteria at Immaculate Conception and Regis schools for many years. Celeste also actively served as a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for 67 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eugene, who died in 2009; sister, Anita; and three brothers, Thomas, Robert, and James. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Mercy.
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Mrs. Larking was the “lunch Lady” at I.C. when I was there. She would see me many years later, from time to time, and she would still remember and come up and visit. She always had a smile on her face, even when I was younger, I appreciated her as our “lunch lady”. May God comfort you during this time.
Celeste was a wonderful erson who always had a smile. She and her husband were delightful people who liked to play cards with John and Mary. They also were very good friends and they helped each other out so much especially to Mary after John died. I especially appreciated all her kind phone calls and letters she shared with Mary. She truly was a special person who loved her children and grandchildren whom she liked to talk about. prayfully, Jim and Ardith Phillips
We were fortunate to be next door neighbors of Gene and Celeste for several years on Second Avenue. Celeste was such a kind and gracious woman. She was a “Grandmother” to all the neighborhood children and expecially my daughters, Dawn & Angie. They always looked forward to talking to her outside knowing she usually had a plate of freshly baked cookies to share. Celeste’s Christian faith was evident in how she lived her life. My family will cherish the many special memories of her and Gene. I pray the Lord will comfort you during this difficult time knowing that she touched so many lives along the way. She was truly a “Special Lady.”
My prayers and care during this time. Your mother was a wonderful, faith-filled, caring person to so many ~~ including my mother. May your mother’s giftedness in your lives be a source of grace and comfort.
Blessings,
Sr. Maurita Soukup, RSM
Jean and Family
My deepest sympathy of the loss of your mother
MY SINCEREST SYMPATHIES TO ALL OF THE LARKIN FAMILY. SORRY I CAN’T BE WITH YOU BUT AMY SPENDING SOME WEEKS WITH MY BROTHER IN FLORIDA. CELESTE & GENE WERE GREAT PARISH MEMBERS OF I.C AND ADDED MUCH TO THAT PARISH OVER THE YEARS. I SHALL OFFER MASS FOR BOTH OF THEM THIS WEEK.
Our deepest sympathy to all of the family. We ate out many times with Celeste and Gene–good visits and good times. We both worked at Wilson Foods and knew Gene from there. They were special friends.
When I was born and until the age of 3 my family lived next door to Gene and Celeste. Celeste always had a draw full of the best peanut butter cookies I have ever had. I always came over to get one. I actually thought when I was younger that they were my grandparents. They will be greatly missed and will always be very dear to my heart. My prayers are with the family in this time of loss. May God be with you and give you strength and peace in this time.
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I was saddened to hear of Mrs. Larkins passing. She was a wonderful lady and always had a smile. She made the best school lunches at IC. When I would see her at Mass on Sundays I would always say “Good Morning Lunch Lady” and she always got a kick out of that. f
Mike,Patty, Jeanie & Denny, I’m so very sorry you have lost you wonderful Mother. She was a very special person who always seemed to have a glow about her. She was unbelievably kind and thoughtful and raised four amazing children. When ever I did see her she was always interested in knowing what was going on with me. I loved the bond she and your Father had together. I remember being at a family event watching them dance together and how they enjoyed every minute of it. Of course I need to mention the Ham incident. I think it may have been the only time she ever did anything wrong. Not cutting the Ham she made for your Father before going out of town for a few days. Poor guy couldn’t eat it until she came home! I’m sorry I can’t be there to celebrate this great woman’s life. But know I’m thinking of you all and you are in my prayers. Lots of Love, Mary Carol Hughes
Celeste will be missed, her smiling face and kindness always made a day when I saw her brighter. She would always tell me stories about her Mother Ella and my Grandmother Florences’ friendship. Sunday morning masses shall never be the same, may she rest in the peace of God’s arms.
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I’m so sorry to hear of Mrs. Larkin’s passing. She always had a beautiful smile & a kind word.
I am so saddened by the loss of sweet Celeste. She and Gene were so much fun to work with when we volunteered together at the Senior Dinners for IC church. Such hard workers with good hearts! Celeste taught me so much, I will miss her tremendously.
Your mother, as you know, was a lovely woman. She was so good and supportive to Margaret Gilbert and Florence Altman when they were living. She meant so much to them.
Do know the family is in my prayers. Blessings
My Mom (Marilyn) thought so much of your Mom. I loved to see her at church with her big smile and a sparkle in her eye. A very kind soul. May she rest in peace.