Michelle Vivian Crabtree

Michelle Crabtree, age 66, peacefully entered eternal rest after gracefully facing cancer. She will forever be remembered for her unwavering strength, determination, boundless caring, and profound love for family.

The daughter of Granville Hayward Crabtree Jr. and Paulette Vitrier (Crabtree) Blair, Michelle was a proud third-generation Sarasotan. Her childhood unfolded in Sarasota's old Oyster Bay neighborhood, where she delighted in climbing banyan trees and playing at the Field Club. A political upbringing shaped her early years, as she actively campaigned alongside her father during his ten years in the Florida Legislature.

She was one of the charter students at Pine View School, and she graduated a year early. Her love extended far beyond academics, encompassing her family, friends, and community.

Michelle's life was marked at a young age by enriching travel experiences, including sailing on the QE2 and flying on the Concorde, with her family. Her love of travel continued through the years with a National Geographic expedition around the world and various other adventures with her beloved husband, Larry Davenport. Even after her diagnosis, they were able to fulfill of a lifelong dream of hers and journey to Egypt.

Her remarkable career in the real estate industry began in 1982, and Michelle built a sterling reputation as a dedicated and knowledgeable professional. In 2020, she earned recognition as the top-producing individual sales associate for the Lakewood Ranch office. Her commitment to excellence manifested in an extraordinary 13 consecutive years receiving the Five Star Real Estate Agent "Best in Client Satisfaction" award, a distinction held by only the top 6% of REALTORS®. Most recently, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s Council of Realtors.

Beyond professional accolades, Michelle reveled in time spent with loved ones. Evenings often saw her on sunset boat rides with her husband and cherished rescue Rottweiler, Sara, relishing the simple pleasures of Florida life. Her diverse interests, from cooking and entertaining to travel, reflected her vibrant zest for life.

Michelle was a pillar of the community, passionately contributing her time to charitable organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the Palm Aire Women's Club, and the Salvation Army.

In addition to her husband Larry and her father, Granville Crabtree, with his wife, Eva Crabtree, Michelle leaves behind her brother, John Crabtree with his wife, Christine Crabtree; Michelle’s son, Chadwick Mahle; her granddaughter, Isabella Mahle; her step-daughter Maggie Davenport with her wife Megen Macdonald and their children, Jackson and Lilah; and Michelle’s step-son Charlie Davenport with his wife Christine Davenport and their daughter Elisa.

Her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

A memorial mass to celebrate Michelle's life will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Incarnation Catholic Church in Sarasota, followed by a reception in the church's Finnegan Center.

Rest in peace, Michelle Crabtree. Your impact on our lives and community will forever be remembered and celebrated.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Michelle's honor to Women's Council of realtors, The Humane Society of Sarasota, the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity, which are all very close to Michelle's heart.