Larisa Helen Simone (Deborah Nelson/Larsen), 58

Larisa Helen Simone, 58, of Coeur d’Alene, died March 10, 2010, at 5:48 a.m. at Lark’s Haven, an assisted living home in Hayden Lake.

She was born as Deborah Ann Nelson March 28, 1951, to Robert Earnest and Darleen Claudette (Simone) Nelson in Rockford, Ill. The children with broken hearts were placed in St. Vincent’s children’s home/orphanage with her two brothers when she was about 6 years old, as the state forced a family separation because of illness in her family.

She spent time in various homes until finally being accepted into the Aurand family, Roy and Carrie (Pat) after her brother’s were placed first. This was in Pecatonica, Ill., a rural farm community where “Debbie” learned the rigors of farm life (i.e. “pulled weeds”), haying and strict schedules. Here she learned to love and ride a pet horse, raise a pet pig “Harvey” and play with “Peggy Sue” her pet dog. The Aurand family was large and to help with expenses she worked in the kitchen and helped serve hot lunch at Pecatonica grade and high school, from which she graduated in 1971.

Debbie, the oldest of four Nelson children, was saddened and separated from Jimmy, the second oldest, while in high school as he was adopted and became James A. Reynolds. The Nelson children bonded strongly to each other but were further pulled apart again as she entered the Army in the Women’s Army Corps. — in late 1971 or early 1972 — the day after high school graduation.

Enlistment in the Army forced separation from her beloved brothers, but opened a new door of experience and independence. In Basic Training at Fort McPherson, Ga., she quickly learned military “jargon” and loved “drill and ceremony” and was honored in the color guard and graduated with early promotion from E-1 to E-2 as a clerk stenographer. Stateside duty soon made way for a European Assignment — eventually Stuttgart, North Germany, and 5th General Hospital at Bad Cannstatt, Germany, where she met and married her prince-charming, Spec/4 Biron Larsen — later also assigned there around February 1972.

Deborah and Biron loved Europe — they toured whenever finances allowed. Deborah an avid book reader — castles, royalty and all things Middle Ages — it was her fascination and dream to be a queen. Their last trip to England almost resulted in the birth of Eric on the English Channel but they made it back to 5th General Hospital the night before his birth. Shortly thereafter she ended her Army career and received an honorable discharge. She was very proud of her military experience in service to her country.

In 1976, Deborah and her little family moved to Fort Lewis, Wash. Biron was assigned to the 9th Combat Medical Battalion where life was hard and required many separations and field duty over the next eight years.

Finally in December 1984 — after the birth of second “prince” Joseph in 1978 and much stress of military life and Deborah’s treatment for anxiety and depression — the family left for Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and quieter pastures, receiving much support from the Larsen family.

Disappointments and setbacks, separation anxiety fears and phobias continued to beset the family and finally in 1992, Deborah and Biron were divorced but remained close. The family continued to struggle and seek answers in a Higher Power. Biron and now Larisa H. Simone, the name Deborah chose to “make a break with the past.” It was not to be as Larisa’s health continued to decline until she was diagnosed/suffered with COPD sometime in spring 2007. In 2008, Larisa (“Simone” as some knew her) moved to be closer to her sons and Biron as her apartment neighbors and caregivers where she lived until September 2009, when she moved at the advice of Hospice into Lark’s Haven in Hayden Lake. There, she fought for life, lost the battle, but won the war.

She is now safely home with her Lord and Savior Jesus — whose name she bears as she became a Christian — baptism by Fr. Roger La Chance — on Dec. 22, 2009. What a Christmas gift. So — she now lives in the great castle of God the Almighty and where the King of Kings and His court are her perpetual light in His glorious Kingdom. Now she has the Eternal Prince and a Castle that so eluded her on this Earth.

She is survived by her ex-husband, Biron Larsen; sons, Eric Larsen and Joseph Larsen, all of Coeur d’Alene; her brother Jim A. and Ava Reynolds and two daughters of Arlington Heights, Ill., Steve and Sue Nelson and sons of Littleton, Colo., Mark Nelson of Rockford; the Aurand family, Carrie (Pat), including children Doug, Sharron, Connie, Ty and Todd of Rockford.

Larisa (Debbie) was preceded in death by her father, Robert E. Nelson around 2003 and foster father Roy Aurand. Mother Darleen C. (Simone) Nelson’s location and life is unknown.

Contributions may be sent to St. Pius X Catholic Church, c/o Fr. Roger La Chance, 625 E. Haycraft, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.

Vigil was held Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’Alene. Funeral service Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 18, 2010, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene.

Larisa will be sorely missed. She tried hard to apologize to everyone she hurt or snapped at; if anyone was missed she’s sorry.

She will always be remembered and loved as the lady who loved to shop, visit the library and her friends at Thrift Stores and was known as “Simone.” These were her passions. And the one who was quite the “dresser,” a unique style all her own. Colorful knee socks and T-shirts with snappy sayings who became lastly the lady with the oxygen bottle who ran into things and people. WE LOVE YOU and shall see you again in heaven, God willing.