Until her late 80s, Gladys E. Larson enjoyed annual visits to Las Vegas with friends, playing only the slot machines and always limiting her losses to no more than $5. The lifelong Batavia resident renewed her driver’s license last month, just a few days before her 93rd birthday.
About the same time, family members said, she and a small group of friends, all in their 90s, ended another season of serving as cheerleaders for the local boys high school basketball team.
“Why, just a few days ago she was in a pool doing water aerobics,” said her son, David. “She had the energy and stamina of someone half her age.”
Mrs. Larson, 93, of Batavia, who was named the first Batavia Citizen of the Year, died Wednesday, June 14, in Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, after suffering a stroke.
A 1930 graduate of Batavia High School, Mrs. Larson was editor of the school newspaper, vice president of her senior class and a member of the National Honor Society. She also played the piano in the school orchestra.
In 1938, she married her high school sweetheart, Ralph. He died in 1980.
Mrs. Larson also played an important role in organizing the Valley School for exceptional children in Batavia, and served on its board for many years.
For her contributions to the school, she was named the first Batavia Citizen of the Year in 1958, family members said.
A familiar face at Batavia High School boys’ basketball games, Mrs. Larson was part of a group of women known as the Wild Bunch 2nd Edition. For years, they served as a cheering section for the Bulldogs.
Mrs. Larson’s daughter, Dorothy, died in November.
Besides Mrs. Larson’s son, survivors include three grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
Services were held.
