August 17, 1940 - January 6, 2013
SPRINGFIELD — Elizabeth R. “Betty” Larabee, 72, formerly of Springfield, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at her home in Plymouth, surrounded by her family.
She was born Aug. 17, 1940, in Hillsborough, N.H., the daughter of Lloyd E. and Lucille M. (Benoit) Reasoner.
She attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield High School, Class of 1958. She also graduated from Putnam Memorial School of Nursing in Bennington.
On March 6, 1960, she married Ivan R. Larabee in Springfield.
She was employed at the Springfield Hospital and then Springfield Health and Rehab. Center for many years, and also for several physicians’ offices in Springfield. She also worked in real estate in the area.
She was an active member of the North Springfield Baptist Church, her Springfield High graduating class, and the North Springfield School Preservation group. She volunteered at the Adult Day Center in Springfield.
She enjoyed vacationing in York, Maine, gardening, yard sales, and collecting blue glass and blue birds.
Survivors include her husband Ivan of Plymouth; a daughter Lisa Wyman of Plymouth; a son John Larabee of South Hero; a sister Patricia Reasoner of Shelburne; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, at 1 p.m. at the North Springfield Baptist Church. The Rev. George Keeler, pastor, will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery in Springfield.
Memorial contributions may be made to the North Springfield Baptist Church, P.O. Box 23, North Springfield, VT 05150.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.
Click here for the program at Betty's Celebration of Life.
Judith Parker (Turmail)
Betty was a dear childhood friend from North Springfield and made a difference in many lives.
May Betty's family revel in the memories of a life well lived and find peace in knowing her lovely soul is at rest.
Patricia Hoskiewicz (Allen)
I am sorry to hear of Betty's passing. My sister told me of her many health issues and I was sad to hear of all she went through. I have fond memories of the time we spent reminiscing at our reunion and a great picture of her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Natalie Kinsman (Brown)
I am so happy that I was able to see Betty once more before her passing. She was sitting up, smiling, laughing and alert. There are so many wonderful memories that will never be forgotten...all starting from our childhood days.I don’t know how she ever kept her spirits up through all the pain and suffering, except that she had a wonderful family who kept her going and giving her the love, care and strength to go on with life. She is at peace now and in a good place with her heavenly father. She will never be forgotten.
Dawn Hoisington (Cullen)
One more angel in heaven - Betty will be sorely missed. My condolences to Ivan and family. Fond memories for all of us who've known her through the years. May she rest in peace. Love to you. D
Robert Kennett
Someone said "another angel in heaven". I can not say it any better. Have known this beautiful gal for over 60 years and never saw her without that beautiful smile........Heaven is surely a better place with her in it. Bobby Kennett
Rose Fluray (Rooney)
Betty was a sweet person and a wonderful classmate. I will miss her and keep her family in our prayers.
Judith Paton (Blish)
To Ike, Lisa and John and Pat and family,
Betty was the sweetest, friendliest girl. I loved her giggle. It got us in trouble once when we were in the 9th grade. We entered a Talent Show at the N. Spfld. School. Betty, Jane Gregory and I were suppose to sing. We started and then Betty started to giggle and then I did. Poor Jane was trying to hold us together to no avail. I don't think we even got honorable mention. I know Betty is in the arms of Jesus and at peace now. I will miss her.
My love and sympathies go out to all of her family.
Judy (Paton) Blish
Lorraine Buskey (Millay)
Ivan, I was so sorry to hear of Betty's passing she was such a loving and special friend, I send all my love and prayers to you and your family. Lorraine
Joan Foisset (Greenwood)
I wrote my comment and lost it..I hate computers! Ask Fred..he knows!
Anyway,Natalie and I got to visit Betty a short time before she died. Denny made her some soup, which she loves, and he went with us to give it to her. She knew us and when she saw Den, she almost jumped out of her w/c to hug him. Every time she smiled and laughed, which is quite uncommon with stroke patients. Annette and I were the 3 yellow roses and when we got sick, we always got them. Then Anne Simone retired and became a red rose. 3 yellow roses were our Nursing School's Color.
We were all at Annette's before Betty really went downhill. I THINK THAT WAS IN HER BUCKET List. We had so many laughs! When IKE CAME TO TAKE HER HOME, I was helping him put things in the car and when I went inside, Betty was pushing the gals away to have her coat on. They told Betty she had to go now and poor Betty was mumbling. When I went in, Betty looked at me and I said, " Betty wants to go home but not with MY coat on. If you see her Pic I sent, she looked great.
NOW, WE HAVE 2 YELLOW ROSES AND ONE RED, BUT BETTY WILL ALWAYS BE A YELLOW ROSE IN Heaven. Betty always told me that God was testing us, when my daughter-in-law died. Now, Betty has passed her test with flying colors and her Spirit will fly eternally free. I'll love you forever, my dear one! xo
We must keep Ike in our prayers and Lisa..great journey.
Richard Maynard
Betty remains in my memory as a soft spoken, thoughtful, friend. I am happy that she was able to build a life with my other friend, Ivan, who was a fishing buddy.
Dick