Marion Larrabee Cleaves
Marion Larrabee Cleaves
SANGERVILLE – Marion Larrabee Cleaves, 90, passed away November 17, 2014, at Hibbard Nursing Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Marion was born February 16, 1924, to Leslie and Erma (Harrington) Larrabee in Sangerville. Along with five siblings, she was raised on their farm.
Marion graduated from Sangerville High School and then went to Connecticut to live with her sister and work at Pratt and Whitney during the war years. Returning home to Sangerville, Marion married Faunce Cleaves, and for nearly fifty years they worked side by side on their potato farm in East Sangerville. Marion and Faunce raised four children on this farm, which remains a family-centered operation. After Faunce’s death in 1992, Marion remained very active on the farm into her eighties – working long days in the potato house during spring plantings and fall harvests.
When not working, Marion spent much time watching her beloved Red Sox, sewing, cooking, reading and snowmobiling with her grandchildren. Marion’s family attributes her long life to the fact that she was always an active, hardworking woman. Well into her eighties, she walked several miles a day.
Marion’s family wants to express many thanks for the love and care provided Marion the last five years at Hibbard Nursing Home.
Marion is survived by four children and their spouses: Faunce and Margaret Cleaves of New Hampshire, Ellen and Robert Haley, Charles and Peggy Cleaves, and William and Jennifer Cleaves, all of Sangerville. She leaves eight grandchildren, Erin and Josh Clark of Vermont, Ian, Helen, and Aidan Cleaves of New Hampshire, William and Salina Cleaves, Tobey Cleaves, James and Kylie Cleaves, all of Sangerville, and Justin Cleaves and Felicia Fortier of Dover-Foxcroft; and three great-grandchildren, Carson, Hannah, and Audrey. Marion is also survived by a brother, Bernard Larrabee and his wife, Carol, of Sangerville; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Larrabee of Florida; a special nephew, Brian Foley and his wife, Judi, of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to call from 1 p.m. until time of memorial service at 2 p.m., Sunday, November 23, 2014, at the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft, with Pastor Stephen Dean officiating. Burial will be in the family lot in Knowlton Mills Cemetery, Sangerville. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to East Sangerville Union Church Restoration, 298 East Sangerville Road, Sangerville 04479. Condolences and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.