Velma Irene Larrabee

Velma "Casey" Larrabee passed away on January 3, 2020 at home, surrounded by loved ones. Born January 15, 1926 in Bruner, Missouri to Ray and Georgia Swearengin, Casey was a deeply intelligent, creative, independent spitfire of a lady. She and her late husband, Lee Larrabee, moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1962 with their children Scott Larrabee and Nancy Hicks, and later to Ft. Collins in 1980. Casey was an incredible chef, artist, Mahjongg and Bridge player. She was also an active member of the Questers antique club, Red Hat Society, and St. Luke's church. Casey loved reading, doing crosswords, playing cards, traveling, shopping, entertaining, and supporting the arts. She was known for her incredible generosity, her passion for family and holidays, and for making everyday celebrations beautiful. Her favorite place in the world was a little cottage on Boot Lake in Northern Wisconsin where she and Lee summered for over 40 years and built a community of life-long friends. Casey and Lee's doors were always open to loved ones who spent golden hours boating, fishing, swimming, and visiting their fair share of supper clubs with the fun-loving duo. She was most proud of being a mom and grandmother to Nancy and Kevin Hicks, "granddaughter" Victoria Longo-Peairs, "grandson" Nick Merck, and to Scott, Carolyn, Heather, Matt and Erin Larrabee and grandsons-in-law Klaus Fischer and Robert Knisely. Casey was also thrilled to be a great-grandmother to Grace Knisely, Lukas, and Eden Fischer. The Larrabee family is thankful for the full and blessed life Casey lived and admired her powerful independence—with loving support from Nancy Hicks and special friend Gary Nelson, Casey thrived in her own home until her last day. She leaves a legacy of generosity, love of family, commitment to lifelong learning, and fortitude in body and spirit. In celebration of Casey's passion for serving the most vulnerable among us, the family asks that any gifts be shared with Ft. Collins Habitat for Humanity, or St. Jude's Hospital for Children, c/o Bohlender Funeral Chapel.