Yvonne Wickstrom Larsen

Yvonne Wickstrom Larsen, passed away on February 12, 2023, surrounded by her loving husband of 70 years, Dan Larsen, and her family. In addition to being devoted to her family, Yvonne contributed mightily to the San Diego community, the State of California, and the country. She served as a model of civic leadership and volunteerism, leading a long list of organizations and became one of San Diego’s most respected civic leaders.

She was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1930 to Swedish immigrant parents; and, as a “depression baby”, she always felt the need to give back to others. Her family moved to San Diego in 1945.Yvonne attended Hoover High School, where she was elected Student Body President, and was selected as a campus representative for the local department store, Walker Scott, which awarded her a four-year scholarship to San Diego State University. It was there that Yvonne and Dan were introduced to each other on a blind date by Dan’s lifelong friend, Jim Wiesler. Dan’s parents were also Swedish and Danish immigrants, so their bond was strong and future family gatherings were filled with Scandinavian traditions.

Yvonne and Dan married on July 11, 1952. Within the next three years daughters Christine and Charlene were born. In addition to raising their daughters, Yvonne and Dan worked together on many community projects. They were both involved in the leadership of Sharp HealthCare; and together they led the first major capital campaign undertaken by the Sharp HealthCare Foundation, raising $15 million for the construction of the Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women which opened in October 1992.

With Dan’s support Yvonne was able to pursue her numerous civic activities for which she was truly passionate. The San Diego non-profit organizations where Yvonne served as president or chairman included: The Junior League of San Diego, MADCAPS (Mothers and Daughters Club Assisting Philanthropies), MAKUA Auxiliary (a Children's Home Society with Adoption Services), Children’s Hospital and Health Center Auxiliary (now Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary), and LEAD San Diego (an organization which trains San Diego community leaders).

Yvonne was also engaged in many prestigious roles in education. During Ronald Reagan's term as California’s Governor, Yvonne was appointed to the California State University Board as a Trustee. In 1977 Yvonne won an election for a seat on the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education and subsequently was elected President of the School Board. Four years later, President Reagan appointed Yvonne as Vice Chair of the National Commission on Excellence in Education. This commission produced the seminal document titled "A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform”. This clarion call to the American people that the US educational system was at risk academically, was delivered to the President at a White House ceremony in 1983. Yvonne traveled for the Department of Education for the following two years presiding over regional forums on national educational policy.

When Senator Pete Wilson became Governor in 1991, he appointed Yvonne to the California State Board of Education. She served a total of eight years on this Board, including serving as President from 1996 to 1999. During her tenure the Academic Standards and Accountability metrics were drafted, approved, and implemented.

San Diego Mayor Pete Wilson also appointed Yvonne to the San Diego County's Planning Commission where she served for eight years.

In 1991, Yvonne joined the Board of Directors of the Zoological Society of San Diego (now the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance), the fourth woman in seventy-five years to serve on the Board. Yvonne then became the President and Chairman of the Board of the Zoological Society of San Diego from 2001 - 2006.

In recognition of her contributions, Yvonne received numerous awards including The University Club's first "Women of the Year” in 1983. In 1973, Yvonne was selected as a Woman of Elegance (now called Woman of Dedication) by the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary. In 2008, Yvonne was honored by the San Diego Rotary as “Mrs. San Diego”.

Throughout Yvonne’s life she and Dan also had a passion for travel. They enjoyed many cruises, including an around the world cruise, and they loved to go to New York City every year to shop and attend the theater.

Although Yvonne dealt with dementia in her final years, she regularly acknowledged how grateful she was for having a family who all loved and cherished one another. Yvonne is survived by her husband, Dan Larsen; her two daughters and husbands Christine Andrews (Craig Andrews) and Charlene Larsen (Larry Murrill); her brother and his wife Larry and Beverly Wickstrom, three grandchildren: Lisa Andrews Bresnahan (husband Matt), Daniel and Lauren Andrews and Sarah Fravel and three great-grandchildren: Madeline, Quinn and Camden Joy. A celebration of life is being planned. Donations can be made to Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Sharp Healthcare Foundation or St. Paul’s Senior Services.