Helen F. Rathbun

Helen Frances "Fran" Rathbun, age 92, of Sarasota, FL passed away at Tidewell Hospice Home of Sarasota on November 20, 2022. She was born June 17, 1930 in Cincinnati, OH to Peter & Grace (Setser) Pennington. She was a very caring, independent woman with a big heart and a great sense of humor. She loved spending time with family and friends to share stories and memories throughout her life. She was an avid bowler, even in her later years, and kept in close contact with many of her bowling buddies over the years.

After her husband, Bill, retired from Ft. Lauderdale fire department, they moved to Deltona, FL. As a family, they would travel up to Tuscarora Lake in New York for the summer making wonderful memories with her and her sister's families. Oh the stories she could tell from those years!
For many years, trips to Vegas with her close friends were always on her calendar. She was a big Miami Dolphins fan and rarely missed watching them on television.

Fran was married for 62 years to the love of her life, Bill, who preceded her in death on April 20, 2018. She is also predeceased by her brother Eugene(Budgie) and sister Edith (Penny) Stone.

Fran is survived by her son, David (Michele) Rathbun; daughter, Denise Whitfield; 7 grandchildren, Alan (Bailey), Jonathan, Sean (Zinnia), Kaci (Cody), Tori (Cody), Danielle & Deborah; 8 great grandchildren and her beloved nieces and nephews that she was very close to; Jim (Jacqui) Stone, Sandi (Peter) Willis, Sheila (Matt) Brennan and Doug (Peg) Stone.

Friends will gather Sunday November 27, 2022 from 10am to 11am with memorial service starting at 11am at the Newcomers Cremations, Funeral & Receptions (East Orlando Chapel). 895 S. Goldenrod Rd., Orlando, FL 32822.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.