Our beloved Mary Joy Funtila Larsen of Raleigh, North Carolinaââ?¬â??formerly from Manila, Philippines--passed away on October 1, 2011 at the tender age of 36, shortly after giving birth to a beautiful new daughter, Caitlin. Joyââ?¬â?¢s gentle spirit touched the lives of many, becoming a friend to all she knew. She was a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. Joy was a passionate and graceful dancer; she was particularly known for her performance of Tinikling, the national dance of the Philippines. She performed for many years with Bayanihan, the National Dance Company of the Philippines. She later cofounded, choreographed and performed with Dagyaw Performing Arts Company in Raleigh, NC. Most recently she choreographed and performed with the PAANC Dance Company. She found great joy in teaching others the dances she so loved and was particularly pleased that her sons, Cade and Ian, performed with her group. Joy worked for PAREXEL International. She was proud to be involved with developing medicines that could help those who suffered. She enjoyed working with her friends and colleagues. She stayed very active, helping others in many ways, including working with her neighborhood HOA Social Committee, her sonsââ?¬â?¢ PTA associations and soccer teams (and other activities), and many others beyond. She is survived by her husband, Carl Larsen, with whom she shared more than 16 years of her life, as well as her two sons Cade Joseph and Ian Daniel, and newborn daughter Caitlin Marie Joy. She is also survived by her parents, Alfredo and Lou Funtila, sisters Grace, Yvette, and Irene, and brother Tisoy (Alfredo Jr.). A visitation will be held at Renaissance Funeral Home in Raleigh from 6:00 to 8:00 on Thursday, October 6, 2011. A second visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:30 on Friday, October 7, 2011 at St. Raphaelââ?¬â?¢s Catholic Church followed by a funeral mass at 4:00.
Services
7
Oct
Visitation
St. Raphael the Archangel R.C. Church5801 Falls of the Neuse RoadRaleigh, NC27609
Get Directions »
7
Oct
Service
St. Raphael the Archangel R.C. Church5801 Falls of the Neuse RoadRaleigh, NC27609
Get Directions »
Carl, I would like to express my sincere and deepest condolences to you, your children and entire family for the loss of Joy. Whatever I can do in the wake of this tragedy to support you and your family, please do not hesitate to call on me. You are in my family's prayers. May our Lord comfort and keep you during this very difficult time.
September 01, 2020
joy villazor
Joy you will forever be in out heart especially my kids. Our never ending prayers for you and your family. We love you Joy...
September 01, 2020
Ginger Martin
Always, always with a smile, Joy was so delightful to work with. I can close my eyes and still hear her cheerful voice telling me good morning even though it's been years ago. She loved her family- spoke of them often and highly and loved her friends and co-workers. My heart aches for your loss. I'm so thankful to have had an opportunity to be graced by her presence. Please know that the prayers of many are with the entire family.
September 01, 2020
Jan Ellison
Family you are in my prayers as this is a very sad time for you all. Know that God's love is with you in this time of sorrow and his strenght will be with you in days to come. I have very sweet memories of Joy when she worked in Boone. She was always so happy and loved taking care of her children and family she will hold a special place in my heart today.
September 01, 2020
Laurie Stevens
You are all in my prayers. Joy was a wonderful person and a joy to work with everyday. I remember her happiness when she worked in Boone. She loved all her family so much and she will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her.
September 01, 2020
Jane Miessen
I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Joy several years ago while she was with Lilly. She was a very special, sweet person. I hope you do find some comfort in knowing that she touched many lives and her spirit will be with you forever. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers Jane Miessen
September 01, 2020
James and Stacy Peden
Dear Larsen Family, We were deeply saddened to hear about Joy. We have enjoyed getting to know your family through the Tigers soccer team and are so sorry that Joy lost her life at such a young age. It seems so unfair. Jamie was worried about Cade and wanted to let him know he is praying for him. We have been thinking of your of your family since we heard the news on Sunday and glad that baby Caitlin is doing okay. James, Stacy, Jamie, Lily, Tanner and Connor Peden
September 01, 2020
Rose,Chip,CJ,Nicole and Frederick
We are so very sad to hear of Joy's passing. We just want to let you know that we are thinking of all of you with prayers. We will miss her.
September 01, 2020
Nori Barr
Dear Loved Ones of Joy,
I am the PPS Line Manager at PAREXEL in San Diego. I did not know Joy personally, but wanted to let you know you all are in my prayers. I understand Joy to be a lovely woman and I hope that beautiful memories will put a smile on your face as the pain fades.
Sincerely,
Nori Barr
September 01, 2020
George Larsen
I want Carl, Cade, Ian, Caitlin and the entire Funtila and Dela Cruz Families to know my Thoughts and Prayers are with each of them. I could never have had a better Sister-in-Law. I love Joy, so very much and she will always be in my thoughts. Mama and Papa you two have always treated me with Love since the day I met you 16 years ago. I am so happy to know that Caitlin is surrounded by so much Love. Carl is an Awesome brother, and a Wonderful Dad!!! My love goes out to All of You!!!
September 01, 2020
Beth Gaspar
Lou, Al, Carl, Ian, Cade, Caitlin, Yvette, Grace, Irene, Jr. and families,
Words cannot express my deepest sympathy in the passing of Joy. I remember her fondly from Childworks. I want to wish you God's peace during this sad time and pray that God will help you to remember all the wonderful memories that you have of Joy. Beth Gaspar
September 01, 2020
Cynthia & Eric Squires
Words can not describe how much our hearts have ached for your loss. Many people have lifted prayers for your family. If there is anything we can do for you, please, let us know: (919)767-3123 or 235-7535.
September 01, 2020
Martina Benesova
Dear Joy's Family, with a deepest heartache , let me express my most truly condolence to all of you. I'm Joy's colleague from Parexel, Berlin, Germany and have read today about the tragedy after Caitlin was born. I wish we all wake up soon from this bad dream... God bless you and your family during this hard time, hope Caitlin is doing well. Joy lives still in my heart and minds and will forever. Sincerely, Martina Benesova
September 01, 2020
Renee Hart
Dear Carl, May God comfort you and your children during this most difficult time. I have been praying for you everyday since Joy's passing and asking God to wrap his arms around you and hold you extra close. You are and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. May you see Joy's eyes in all 3 of your beautiful children and remember she is always with you...every smile, every tear, she is there. God Bless You.
September 01, 2020
Carla Pruett (Parexel)
I am so sorry for your loss. Joy was always the one I could count on for a smile on a bad day. While I know your daughters birth is bitter sweet, she will become Joy's legacy. I will continue to pray that your family may find peace. She is and always will be looking down on you and your family and taking great joy in the lives she has touched. She will be sorely missed.
September 01, 2020
Jin Park
Dear. Larsen family and Lou I am so very saddened to hear Joy's passing. I pray God to give strength and comfort to go through this deepest sorrow. Jin and Jonah
September 01, 2020
Elizabeth Schuette
Carl, Cade, Ian and sweet little Caitlan, Joy will forever be etched in my mind as such a kind, friendly and lovely lady. From day one at Childworks, when Kelly and Erin would play with Ian, she always greeted us with a smile and hello. I am in shock and so saddened by your loss, but I know that God truly has accepted another angel into in his Kingdom. Peace be with you all.
September 01, 2020
Florenda Powell
To the Larson and Funtila family: Words seem inadequate to express the sadness felt in the passing of Joy. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies, my prayers go out to Mrs. Lou and the family during this most difficult time.
September 01, 2020
Mashaya Larsen
I Love You Aunt Joy!!! Thanks for the shopping trips and all the new hairstyles!!!
September 01, 2020
Julie Drew
Words cannot express how saddened I am to hear Joy has passed. I know Joy from Childworks Preschool. Her son Ian and my daughter were in the same class. Although I do not know how well, I can say she was one of the friendliest and sweetest moms I know. I will never forget an amazing birthday party she had at her home for Ian. My daughter said, it as the best party she went to. I remember sliding down the long slide at Hillridge Farm with her and our children. As I visited Hillridge with Childworks children yesterday, the memories brought tears to my eyes. Although I know the Lord has a plan for Joy, it is quite difficult to understand the timing. My thoughts and prayers go to the family, especially her husband, mom, and 3 children. I know this will be a difficult time, but I do know Joy will continue to be with you and watch over her entire family. I regret I am unable to make it to the services today. I hope the family will have much support from friends and family, both locally and in the Philippines.
September 01, 2020
Vicky Trowell
I am really saddened by Joy's passing. She is a special person & I feel blessed to have met her & got to know her. I will truly miss her at Raleigh Charter High School and Phil-Am functions. My prayers are with your family.
September 01, 2020
Lisa Jennings
Dear Carl:
Please accept my deepest sympathy. You, your boys and beautiful daughter are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Lisa Jennings
September 01, 2020
Cora & Bobby Balatbat
Our heartfelt and sincerest sympathy to Joy's family. It is so sad and hard to imagine for Joy to leave her family at a very young age. She will be in our prayers. May God give Carl all the strength and courage he needs to go on without Joy.
September 01, 2020
Tim and Julie Robey
Carl- You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless. Tim and Julie Robey
September 01, 2020
Katherine and Fred Pickett
We know that God welcomed a new angel to heaven when Joy left this earthly realm. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
September 01, 2020
Mary Beth Taintor
I am heartbroken for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Todd, Mary Beth, Drew and Ryan Taintor
September 01, 2020
The Villazor Family
Our deepest sympathy. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We all miss her. And she will always be forever loved by the many people who were lucky to have been touched by her.
September 01, 2020
Angela
Dear Carl, Cade, Ian and Caitlin,
I never had the pleasure of meeting your Mum but I heard your dad speak of her often and lovingly. I am so sorry for your loss. I know your Mum is in heaven watching over you.
God Bless you all..
Angela
September 01, 2020
Kassandra Watson
Carl, Cade, Ian and Caitlin, words cannot begin to express the sadness that we feel in our hearts with the passing of Joy. She was a delight to be around and her smile could brighten up any room. She was definitely unforgettable and her name was reflective of what she brought to others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
In HIS Amazing Love, Morris, Kassandra, Kristian & Trey
September 01, 2020
Ann Thompson Yount
My sincere condolences to Joy's family. I have fond memories of her in Mortgage Lending at SECU. My prayers are with you.
September 01, 2020
Gaston and Kim Farr
Dear Carl,
Kim and I are sadden by Joy's untimely passing. While we never had the chance to meet her since your coming to Winston-Salem to work at Targacept, your and my conversations in the office and during our various trips to Dallas and Rome showed me the deep love and affection you had for her. We know that your heart is breaking but also know that God's heart was the first to break when Joy passed so unexpectedly and that's God's love is greater than anything we can imagine. The boys and baby, as well as you, are in our prayers and thoughts.
September 01, 2020
Beth Milliken
Joy was such a special person. I so loved working with her. As I used to tell her, I really try not to talk on the phone but when it came to Joy, I always answered and used to love when I had to call her. She was so sweet and kind and she had the best voice. I miss her and will continue to miss her, as will everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her and getting to know her. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family and friends, may you find comfort in each other. Let us all strive to be more like the wonderful woman we have lost.
September 01, 2020
The Logstrup Family
Dear Joy Larsen Family.
Please accept our deepest sympathy. We are extremely sorry for your loss, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Family Logstrup, Denmark (William, classmate to Ian from Kindergarten and 1th grade)
September 01, 2020
Catherine Bearden
Praying for you guys on both a as you celebrate a new life and grieve a loss.
September 01, 2020
Melissa T.Kelly
Dear Funtila family, I know this year has been a difficult one. May the memories you shared with Joy strengthen your faith that you one day will be with her again.
September 01, 2020
Catherine Bearden
Dear Lou and family, I simply cannot imagine your pain. Please know that my hearts and prayers are with you at this time. With much love, Catherine
September 01, 2020
Catherine Bearden
Dear Lou and family, I simply cannot fathom Joy's passing. Please know that my heart and prayers are with you and your family during this time. With much love, Catherine Bearden
September 01, 2020
Felita Eaton
We are so sorry for your loss. Words can not express our feelings of grief. As a school family we are here for you! Please let us know how we can support your family!
Harris Creek Elem. School Counselors
Felita Eaton and Sonya Averette
September 01, 2020
Melissa T. Kelly
Irene and family, So very sorry for your loss. Words cannot truly express the sadness we are all feeling for your family. All of you are such sweet,kind and caring people. I know you will support and care for each other even more at this time of deep need. All of your friends and co-workers are here also if you need us. We love you! Love, Melissa and Family
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