Joan Meyer Larson passed away peacefully Saturday, August 27, 2011, after a 2 ½ year courageous and inspiring battle against cancer. Born in Michigamme, Mich., on August 17, 1926, to Julia and John Meyer, a schoolteacher and chemist. She moved to Crystal Falls as a young girl and graduated from Crystal Falls High School in 1943, at the age of 16. In the fall of 1943, Joan enrolled at Cleary Business College. After transferring to Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) she graduated in 1947, with a teaching degree. Joan began her teaching career in Birmingham, Mich., in the fall of 1947, at Birmingham High School (now Seaholm). She married Boyd R. Larson in Crystal Falls on March 24, 1951. They met in Birmingham and were married 43 years until Boyd's death in 1994. After raising her children, Joan returned to teaching in the Troy School District and retired in 2006. Joan was a long-standing member of the Big Beaver United Methodist Church in Troy and was active in the Shawl Ministry there. She was an accomplished bridge player, skilled knitter, loved playing golf, faithfully followed her Detroit sports teams, and she and her husband were season ticket holders to University of Michigan football. Joan had an unprecedented love for and loyalty to her family. She created lasting and meaningful traditions that her family continues to cherish. Joan's favorite place was her beloved cottage on Fortune Lake in the Upper Peninsula where she spent summers since her childhood. She was preceded in death by her parents; wonderful and devoted husband Boyd, and grandson Ryan Boyd Larson Adryan. She is survived by her sons Stephen and his wife Mariellen, John, and daughter Ann and her husband Chris Adryan; grandchildren Todd, Katy and her husband Tim Stanley, and Rory; her sister Barbara Trevarton and sister-in-law Ginny Larson; 13 nieces and nephews and many dear friends including her best friend for over 75 years, Margie Strand from Corpus Christi Texas. Visitation will be Saturday, October 1, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, Crystal Falls. The memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. at the church. Rev. Nate Reed will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Crystal Falls. If one wishes to honor Joan's life, her family suggests contributions be made to the Christ United Methodist Church at 20 S. 5th Street, Crystal Falls, MI 49920. You may light a candle in remembrance of Joan or leave a condolence for her family at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com. The Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, is serving the family.