Erin Claire Cavell Rabalais died peacefully at home in St. Francisville on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born September 5, 1952, in Aruba, West Indies to Edgar Richard Cavell and Erin Claire McLavy Cavell.
Erin was raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, attended St. Anthony Catholic School, and graduated from Redemptorist High School in 1970. She was a 1972 graduate of Our Lady of the Lake School of Nursing and a Registered Nurse. Her entire career was in the medical field, working for various physicians, notably Dr. Evelyn Hayes. Most of her career was with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals in the Regulatory Section, retiring in 2012. After retirement, she worked with the West Feliciana Coroner’s Office and served on the West Feliciana Hospital Board of Commissioners. She was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, singing in the choir, serving on the pastoral council, and helping with the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary in any capacity needed.
She is survived by her husband, James B. Rabalais, son Brian Rabalais, and three grandsons, Clayton, Dane, and Ethan (all of St. Francisville), one great grandson (Thomas), and four brothers, Dr. Richard M. Cavell (Cathy) of Monroe, Patrick J. Cavell (Sharon) of Baton Rouge, Dr. Tim A. Cavell (Lauri) of Fayetteville, AR, and Dr. Colin S. Cavell of Bluefield, WV.
Erin loved her church, her family, her friends, and her St. Francisville community. She enjoyed music, cooking, and dining with good friends. She was both forgiving and giving, bestowing on others her love, her time, and her caring, gentle ways. To her family, she was a source of guidance and comfort. She will be missed by those whose lives she touched.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 11485 Ferdinand St., St. Francisville, LA from 9:30am to 11:30am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am with interment following at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, two blocks east of the church.
Pallbearers will be Dane Rabalais, Ethan Rabalais, Stephen Cavell, Andrew Cavell, Graham Cavell, and Nathan Fordice.
Memorials can be made to Mount Carmel Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements are through Rabenhorst Funeral Home.
