Lynn K. Larson

Lynn K. Larson of Water Mill died at home on December 13 after losing a battle with inflammatory breast cancer. She was 60.

Born in Englewood, New Jersey, to Jack and Lorna Rudder, both from Barbados, West Indies, she grew up spending summers in Sag Harbor. Her parents were founding members of the Sag Harbor Hills community, and built a house there in the 1950s. After graduating from the School of Visual Arts and working as a graphic artist in New York, New Jersey and California for a number of years, she returned to the summer home in Sag Harbor in 1981 to live permanently with her husband, Rick Larson.

According to her family, she had great affection for Sag Harbor and the quality of life on the East End. She and her husband thought it would be an ideal place to raise a family and welcomed a daughter, Erika Larson, in 1983 and a son, Mark Larson, in 1985. A few years later the family settled in Water Mill.

Though she ultimately focused on caring for her family, she never lost her enthusiasm for the arts. She frequented local museums and galleries and collected a wide range of art objects that decorated her home. Most importantly, family recalled, she imbued in her children a love and respect for the creative process. Her daughter followed directly in her footsteps, becoming a graphic artist and her son developed an intense interest in film that he is currently pursuing as a career.

Mrs. Larson was also an avid sports fan, dating back to her days as a cheerleader for Englewood High School. She enjoyed all sports and rooted for all the New York teams, but was especially fond of football and baseball. Her husband recalled this week that when their son was on the field playing sports in high school and college, her cheers would sound above all the rest.

Another interest that she was passionate about was thoroughbred horse racing. While living in California, she frequently worked as a hostess for Santa Anita Racetrack—during that time Mr. Larson worked in the track’s publicity department. Upon returning to New York she and her husband became owners and breeders of numerous horses that raced at Belmont, Saratoga and Aqueduct under the names of East End Stable, Southampton Stable and Carpe Diem Stable. She visited the winner’s circle many times, her husband said, and cherished the friendships she made through her involvement with the sport.

“Notwithstanding her love of the arts and sports, her greatest joy and meaning in life derived from her family.” Mr. Larson added, “She was a devoted wife and mother graced with a genuine selflessness. The happiness and well-being of others always came first. Her encouragement and support were unflagging and a steady source of strength and inspiration.”

Mr. Larson also said that she was especially proud of the accomplishments of their children, who attended Southampton public schools and recently went on to graduate from Harvard and Yale, respectively. According to her husband, she remarked a short time before her death that her children would be her legacy.

In addition to her husband of 31 years, Rick Larson of Water Mill, her daughter, Erika Larson, and son, Mark Larson, both of Manhattan and Water Mill, she is survived by a sister, Anne Rudder of Barbados, West Indies.

Cremation was on December 14. No formal services were held as per the family’s wish.

In lieu of flowers, donations to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978, would be appreciated by the family.