Obituary of Külli K. Verravas

Külli (Kohler) Verravas, 78, of Glastonbury, CT passed away peacefully on November 4, 2021. Born in Viljandi, Estonia, on December 8, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Feliks-Peeter Kohler, Aino Ibrus Lind and step-father, Hindrek Lind. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack, who recently passed in April, after 55 years of marriage.

At the age of two, Külli and her mother had to flee the Russian occupation of their homeland of Estonia to find refuge in Geislingen, Germany. After living in Germany for many years, they were allowed passage to the United States through the Displaced Persons Commission to begin a new life in America. Külli and her family were transported to the United States via a U.S. Army Troop ship which coincidentally, her future husband Jack was also on board. After her two week journey to America, her family settled in CT. Külli officially met Jack at the age of sixteen, and they were inseparable from that day forward. After marrying, they made their home in Glastonbury for 53 years.

Külli graduated from Weaver High School in 1961, University of Connecticut in 1965 and went on to earn her nursing degree at the UCONN School of Nursing. Külli worked in many healthcare settings as a registered nurse - including Hartford Hospital, skilled nursing facilities, local schools plus Glastonbury tobacco farms to finally land at Oak Hill School where she retired in 1998. Oak Hill School on Holcomb Street in Hartford was a pivotal part of her life as she grew up and lived in that community and campus where her parents also had life-time careers serving others.

Külli was an avid reader, cook, knitter and list-maker. She was a talented artist who loved to sketch and watercolor. She loved dogs – especially shih tzus - and had many cherished pets during her lifetime. Külli loved the beach, the family house on Amston Lake, and going on trips with family and friends. She loved to socialize and took pride in managing numerous Weaver High School reunions throughout the years.

Külli leaves behind her daughters, Kaida Scaglia, her husband George, and grandchildren Griffin and Kaari of South Glastonbury, CT; and Katrin Ryan, her husband Colin, and grandchildren Madison and Daniel of Glastonbury, CT. Külli is also survived by her sister, Merike Tamm (Anton), and brother, Urmas Kohler, in Estonia and their families. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Kristi Rakfeldt and her husband Jaak of Bethany, CT and their families. She also leaves many other family members and friends in the United States and Estonia.

We want to thank the countless healthcare providers who cared for Külli over the span of many years – most especially to Brookdale Senior Living – who made her last six months the most fulfilling in years. Külli made a lasting impression on her caregivers with an unwavering determination and medical prowess to beat the many health obstacles she faced.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday, November 9th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury, CT. Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Külli's name to K9s for Warriors, an organization that places service dogs with veterans, at https://k9sforwarriors.org/financial-donation/.