Lori Rae Larson, 57

Lori Rae Larson passed away peacefully on August 22, 2015 in her home in Manassas surrounded by her loving family after fighting a courageous battle against Pancreatic Cancer. Lori was born in Camp Pendleton, California, to Richard and Mardi Larson, the oldest of five children. Lori graduated from Minot High School, in Minot, North Dakota, received her BA in International Relations from The George Washington University, and her Juris Doctor from the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University.

Lori spent the majority of her working career in Washington, DC in the IRS Office of Chief Counsel beginning in 1991. Since 2002, she was Chief of the Public Contracts and Technology Law Branch. In her role she fiercely protected procurement integrity and safeguarded the public trust.

Lori was a beautiful soul who was deeply committed to her husband, family and her many close and dear friends with whom she loved to spend her time. Lori loved their two Great Danes, camping in their RV, traveling to see family, and hosting their annual Christmas Holiday party. Lori was a voracious reader and a member/founder of several book clubs. She loved pop culture, the arts, especially Broadway musicals and was a competitive player of any sort of board or card game. Lori always handled herself with grace and dignity even in the end. Her laughter, wit, and love can never be replaced. She will be deeply missed by all who were touched by her beautiful, irrepressible smile.

Lori is survived by her husband Leif Henecke, her step children Jessica (Fady) Sadeq, Aaron Henecke, Austin Henecke, and Andrew Henecke. Her mother Mardi Larson of Gering, Nebraska, brother Scott (Tracie) Larson, of Lone Tree, Colorado, Mitch (Leisa) Larson of Lincoln, Nebraska, Mark (Laura) Larson of Boulder, Colorado, and her sister Kristin Larson of Gering, Nebraska. Nieces Chelsie Petersen, Emma Larson, Grace Larson, Nora Larson, Macy Larson, Eliana Larson, nephews Sam (Sydney) Larson and Derrick Rasser and granddaughter Lina Sadeq. She was preceded in death by her father Richard Larson.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 31 at 11 a.m. at Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 12351 All Saints Place, Woodbridge, VA, 22192. In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation to the Animal Legal Defense Fund be made in Lori’s honor.