Tierney, Carol (Larson)

Age 88 of Minneapolis passed away July 28th 2025. Preceded in death by her husband Thomas, her parents, Clarence and Myrtle Larson, and two brothers, Mentz and Bruce Larson. As a child in Newfolden MN, Carol was very active in 4H and helped out on the farm. After graduating as valedictorian of her high school, Carol received a bachelor's degree in education from Bemidji State University and later, a masters degree in Education from Mankato State University. She spent a summer working at Yellowstone National Park. 

Carol taught elementary school for 40 years in the Hopkins School District. Prior to that she taught in Denver CO, Moorhead MN and Crookston MN. Carol had a big impact on many of her students, several of whom remained in contact with her until the very end of her life. She held the respect of her colleagues who appreciated her teaching, writing and leadership skills.After retiring from teaching, Carol and Tom worked together at Data Recognition Corporation where they scored standardized test essays for kids taking their state writing exams. They enjoyed relationships with colleagues and had many laughs together as they read hundreds of papers from kids with creative spelling and funny stories. 

As a mom, Carol ensured that birthdays and holidays were special, and she never got in the way of her daughters’ desire to explore the world. She worked hard to support the family and create memorable experiences including many road trips across the U.S. and a trip to Sweden and Norway with the Svenskarnas Dag Choir. 

Carol remained active late into her life, playing piano, singing in choirs, and participating in groups such as the Daughters of Norway, Hopkins Women’s Club, and several groups within the 7500 York cooperative.She was a good friend to many people throughout her life.  Always seeking to have something on her calendar to look forward to, she hosted many dinner parties, tea parties, pie parties and Kentucky Derby parties. She held herself to the commitment of doing something kind for someone else each day. Carol loved animals, travelling, was an avid reader, and won first prize in her building’s garden competition two years in a row. She cared a lot about social justice and was active in politics for much of her life. 

Throughout her life, Carol never backed down from a challenge. She faced many difficult health issues and with her determination and high pain tolerance, was able to endure some difficult surgeries which allowed her to keep squeezing all she could out of life. Carol enjoyed travelling to England to visit her oldest daughter and grandchildren. She also spent a year living in Chicago near her younger daughter. In her final decade of life, she travelled to London, France, Alaska, Mississippi, Kansas City, Memphis, and Chicago.

Survived by daughters Erin (Mark), Martha (Keith), and grandchildren Leanne and Charlie. Funeral services will be held on September 12th, 2025 at Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, 5011 31st Ave S, Minneapolis MN 55417 at 11:00 a.m. Memorials to the Humane Society, St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and Marshall County Central Education Foundation.