C. Dian (Kannmacher) Larson

On Friday, March 31, 2017  of  Mars, PA, passed away after a brief struggle with cancer.  The loving wife of Gregory L. Larson was mother to six children; Lisa Spencer who preceded her in death, Lora Sodemann (Corwin) of St Louis, MO, Lynn Burton (Tristan) of Colbert, WA, Alan Elledge (Gena) of Harvest, AL, Brian Elledge of Pittsburgh, PA, and Carrie Waxler of Jefferson City, TN.  Her step children are Jeremy Larson of Pickerington, Oh, and Elicia Tighe (John), of Pittsburgh.  She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, siblings Barbara Benson of Cottage Grove, MN, Larry Kannmacher of Colorado Springs, CO, and several cousins.  Dian was a long time home-maker who valued cleanliness and honesty.  She and her ex-husband, William Elledge, raised their children to be strong and independent.  As the children became older, Dian entered the job market as the Director of Christian Education at Kirkwood UMC in the St Louis area where she led discussions and taught on sex education. 

After moving to the Pittsburgh area, she met Greg.  Each with a tenacious “always right” attitude, they fell in love and divorced their spouses so they could get married.  Although they endured some tough times during their 26 years of marriage it was the fun times like the trip to Alaska, the dance lessons at Dutilh Church, and the many trips to visit their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that she cherished.  She enjoyed working at several engineering companies and architecture firms.  She later said that this was her favorite work atmosphere.  She especially took pride in the new Children’s Hospital in Lawrenceville, in her role as the project administrative assistant at LDAstorino.  Her honesty, directness, good business sense, determination to do the right thing, attitude, and courtesy won her respect from the highest levels at work and allowed her to transcend department titles.  Dian always ended conversations and work sessions with a laugh.  Dian loved to share advice and always did so with a loving spirit.  She also enjoyed sharing her many talents with others, especially sewing and crafts.  She carried the same high standards from the office to her crafting.  Her sewing friends admired Dian’s creativity and desire to try new challenges.

She and Greg were subscribers to the Pittsburgh Symphony and River City Brass Band for many years.  Other favorite activities included book club, cooking, and solving the word puzzles in the daily newspaper. Dian inspired all those who were touched by her wit, her charm, and her smiling eyes.  May God have a special place for the wonderful mother, loving wife and true friend to so many.  Friends will be received at the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc., 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA on Tuesday from 6-9 PM. Services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at the Dutilh United Methodist Church, 1270 Dutilh Rd. Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, with Rev. James Gascoine, officiating. The family will greet friends from 10-11 AM at the church prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

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