Rebecca “Becca” Larson, a freshman majoring in electronic media and film, died Sunday, Jan. 19, in Flagstaff of ovarian cancer. She was 18.

Ms. Larson was born Jan. 31, 1995, and raised in Seattle, Wash. She moved to Tucson in 2002 and graduated from Sunnyside High School, where she was involved in a church youth group, academic decathlon, orchestra, tennis, yearbook and poetry slam.

She came to NAU in the fall after participating in the university’s Successful Transition and Academic Readiness program on campus last summer. She remained actively involved in the program and lived in Allen Hall as part of the STAR Learning Community, and recently she was elected to Allen Hall Council.

Her friends described her as caring, loving and compassionate.

“No one could be a stranger with Becca. She welcomed everyone with open arms,” said Amanda Brand, who was a STAR instructor for Ms. Larson. “She always looked for the best in things and wouldn’t want people to be sad. She would want us to celebrate her life and life in general.”

Ms. Larson also was a familiar and friendly face at the Flagstaff Target, where she worked since July.

She was preceded in death by her “mom,” Gail Larson. Survivors include many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends.

Friends and classmates are invited to attend a bereavement meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, in the Allen Hall third floor lounge, where representatives from NAU’s Counseling Services will be on hand to discuss the grief process and invite guests to share memories about Ms. Larson.

A campus memorial celebration will be held from 5-7 p.m. at Ashurst Hall on what would have been her 19th birthday, Friday, Jan. 31.

Funeral services will be held in Tucson at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Calvary Chapel West Campus (I-10 and Palo Verde), 5170 S. Julian Drive, 85706.