Violet Larrabee
Violet Larrabee, 93, died comfortably at home on November 6, 2024, in McDonald, Tennessee, after a brief illness.
Violet was born in Austin, Mn. on Dec. 23, 1930, to her Polish-immigrant father, John Kereluk (1894-1982) and her Austrian-immigrant mother, Mary Kereluk (1899-1943). After her mother’s death, 12-year-old Violet was raised by her sister Anna Babb (1915-2001).
Violet was graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 1949 from Maplewood Academy, Hutchinson, Mn., and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree from The College of Medical Evangelists School of Nursing, Loma Linda, CA, in 1953.
Two years later, she married Lawrence G. Larrabee (1934-1999). They lived in 13 different communities, including the country of Peru, where they were missionaries.
They are survived by their children; Jon (Lisa); Clark (Jeannie); Jodi (Michael) Brewer; grandchildren Kelsey (David) McAuliffe; Connor (Angela); and David; along with great-grandchildren Miles, Violet, and Nevin.
Of all the places she lived, Maine was her favorite, and she loved spending time at the lake (including this past summer) watching her family enjoy lake life.
Violet excelled at being a nurse, wife and mother. Later in life, the professional job she enjoyed the most was as an office nurse in a pediatrician’s office in Maine, where she was loved by the doctor, parents and patients alike.
She was a lady of faith and a member of the Fletcher (NC) Seventh-day Adventist Church, and also regularly attended the Collegedale (TN) Seventh-day Adventist Church in recent years. Her Bible and prayer life sustained her throughout the good times and bad. Violet’s favorite Bible chapter was the 103rd Psalm of David, which perfectly describes her walk with the Lord. As she neared the end of her life on earth, she was excited to finally be able to meet Jesus.
Violet's life was a testament to her kind spirit and nurturing heart. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to have known her.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Community Foundation of Henderson County, specifically to the Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Recovery and Rebuilding Fund. For more information, please contact (828) 697-6224 or visit cfhcforever.org.
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.