Dona Larsen

Dona Larsen, 77, of Berlin, passed away peacefully at her home with her beloved companion Shawn Costello by her side.  A graduate of Berlin High School Class of 1964, Dona went on to attend the University of Miami, graduating with a Bachelors Degree. 

She worked with her parents in the hospitality industry, and also as a social worker, before taking a position with NH Legal Assistance in Berlin.  She stayed with NHLA for almost 40 years.  Throughout her long legal career she was an advocate for many people in the North Country who had nowhere else to turn for help.  When the Converse shoe factory in Berlin closed, she was instrumental in obtaining assistance for unemployed factory workers, who received retraining for new careers at a time when good jobs were getting hard to find.

Dona enjoyed skiing, gardening, and spending time at her camp on Lake Umbagog.  She had a passion for flamingos and loved the music of Jimmy Buffett.

She was extremely proud of her Norwegian heritage, and enjoyed researching her family’s genealogy and all the family stories.  She loved the Norwegian language and culture, which she in turn passed on to her son.  

In 1999 she was part of the contingent from New Hampshire invited to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC.  Dona represented Berlin’s Norwegian-American community with traditional cooking and her beautiful hand-knitted Norwegian sweaters. 

In 2006, Dona was a recipient of the Sylvia Evans Citizenship Award for her many contributions to the city of Berlin and the North Country.  Dona was a longtime member of the Nansen Ski Club.  She was also an active volunteer in the early days of the Northern Forest Heritage Park, and spearheaded the movement to revive Berlin’s Norwegian Independence Day Celebrations there. 

She is survived by her son Chris Larsen of Berlin; her longtime companion and soulmate Shawn Costello of Berlin; several cousins including Vaughn and Betty Roy of Berlin, Mike Horne of Berlin, Chris and Karen Roy of Milan, and Vaughn Eric Roy of Dover; and many close friends including Ron and Linda Chaisson of Berlin and Freda Hawkinson of Manchester. 

She is also survived by Shawn's family, children Brock Costello and Tina of Webster and Darah Costello and husband Eric of Webster; grandchildren: Hannah, Carter, and Addison; and brother Lance Costello and wife Denise of Concord. 

She was predeceased by her parents Downing and Nora Larson, and grandmother Ruth (Erickson) Minnick, all of whom she loved very much.

Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 5-7pm at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Avenue, Berlin.  Interment will take place privately in the Spring in the Old City Cemetery.  Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.