Obituary of Katelyn Carrabino

On June 5, 2016 Katelyn Sue Carrabino, age 27, of Monroe, Michigan, was embraced by God and called upon to take the next step in her journey. Katelyn was born April 18, 1989 to Brenda Braden and Mike Carrabino in Monroe. Katelyn graduated from Monroe High School in 2007 and earned her Culinary Skills and Management Associates Degree from Monroe County Community College in 2009 and Bachelor Degree in Business from Sienna Heights University in 2011. Katelyn courageously lived her life with Neurofibromatosis (NF) and refused to give in to the resulting brain tumors and damage caused by the immense treatment regimens she received. Katelyn faced life with NF without fear; she was ambitious and lived her life to the fullest. Katelyn's achievements in her 27-year life with NF are nothing short of spectacular. Through all the chemotherapy, radiation, and other numerous treatments she endured, Katelyn graduated High School with honors and she achieved her dream of graduating college and becoming a chef. Katelyn loved to share her joy of cooking and baking with others. Her sugar cookies were out of this world delicious; no other cookie could compare. Katelyn's greatest achievements, however, were her kindness, infectious positive spirit, and her faith in God. Katelyn always let it be known that there were others with greater burdens. Katelyn imparted on all who knew her an understanding that God is ever-present and that we must all strive to do His work. Katelyn is survived by her parents: Brenda Braden (Gregg Reau) and Mike Carrabino of Monroe; two sisters: Kendra (Brad) Cantrell of Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Kasandra Carrabino (Richard Reilly) of Arlington, Virginia; one brother: Marine Corporal Michael (Courtney) Carrabino of San Diego, California; and adored nephews and niece: Brayden Michael Carrabino, Luke and Elizabeth Wszelaki; best friend: Marygrace Cuccia of Monroe; life-long friend: Brooke Ody, of Washington, D.C.; aunt: Stephanie Braden of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; aunt and uncle: Tom and Robin Rice of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; aunt: Sandy Pond of Columbus, Ohio; paternal grandmother: Ruth Carrabino of Monroe; aunts and uncles: Tom and Kathy Bellino, Geoff and Fran Harrington, Larry and Teresa Hansen, Dale and Laurie Loveland, Beth and Bruce Spinale, Bill and Kari Carrabino all of Monroe and so many wonderful cousins; extended family: Ashley and Matt Wszelaki, Sydney Reau, and the Eric Reau family of Monroe. Katelyn was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother: Carolyn Sue Braden; maternal grandfather: James George Braden; step-grandmother: Patricia Braden; paternal grandfather: Joseph Carrabino; and cousin: Tiffany Bellino. Our family cannot extend enough gratitude to Katelyn's incredible, amazing, loving Doctors, Nurses, Therapists and other caregivers over the years especially most recently Dr. Jaimie Dargart, Nurses Ruth Sperling and Laura Hostetler, Jenny Schramm and Lexie Nichol, all of the amazing staff in the Outpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology unit at Promedica Toledo Children's hospital. Visiting will be from 1:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service; South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Rosary service will take place at 6:30pm. She will lie in state from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am, Friday, June 10, 2016 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 511 South Monroe Street with Father James Smalarz officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial. Please come celebrate Katelyn's life with us, donning attire or bringing memories that would make our KatieBug smile. In honor of our NF Hero, Champion, and Fighter and to keep the Team KatieBug spirit ever present, please consider making a donation to the Children's Tumor Foundation www.ctf.org or the Danberry Treasure Chest (3242 Executive Parkway, Toledo, OH 43606), a fund of last resort for families with Children suffering debilitating illnesses at the ProMedica Toledo Children's Hospital. Both of which Katelyn spent countless hours raising money on behalf of. We love you Katie; you, our precious angel, will always and forever be in our hearts and "worth melting for."