Rosemary J. Rathbun

Rosemary (Smith) Rathbun was born May 9, 1941 in Springfield, MA, the daughter of Rita (Dorval) and Richard Smith. A longtime resident of Milton VT, and then Peru NY, Rosemary most recently lived in Willsboro at the Champlain Valley Senior Community. On June 7 her long and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia ended, and she passed peacefully with her daughter Peggy at her side. Rosemary is survived by her children: Jean Taft (Mark) of Middletown RI, Margaret Rathbun (Sarah) of Peru, and Richard Rathbun (Cheryl) of Milton, VT. She leaves behind her grandchildren: Alyssa Taft (Lee), Daniel Schanck (Alyssa Renee), Nathan Taft, Chelsea Rathbun, Luke Rathbun and Jacob Rathbun. Rosemary is also survived by her siblings Philip Smith (Joanne), Marianne Getchell (Ralph), Michael Smith (Maryann), and many cousins including her double cousins David Smith (Ann), Janice Smith (Charlie), and Cele Smith Burnett (Ann). She was Aunt Rosemary to many. Rosemary was especially loved by her family and spending time with her family was what she loved the most. The grandchildren all spent many vacations with Grammy. Alyssa and Daniel were fortunate to spend many summer days with Grammy at her beloved Camp. Vacations and travel were full of family and fun. You may remember Rosemary from the early years at the Arrowhead Market in Milton, or from the University of Vermont where she worked for many years. You may have sung with her with the Colchester Community Chorus or the Keeseville Peru Choir. Maybe you are a Yogini and met her at Yoga. Perhaps you encountered her at the Peru Free Library Book Club, or at a senior exercise class at the Peru Community Church. And if you did meet Rosemary along the way, chances are that you are one of the many good friends she had throughout her life. She is predeceased by her ex-husband, Charles Rathbun, several cousins, her niece Deanna, her companion Don Morley, and her oldest friend, Judith. It has been a hard journey with Lewy Body Dementia. The family would like to thank the caregivers at the CVSC for taking care of Rosemary during this difficult time in her life. A special thank you to the staff who developed a special relationship with Rosemary and the family: Anna, Chrissy, Chelsea, Brandon, Jenn and Holly. Truthfully the CVSC staff are wonderful and we thank you all for making her life a bit brighter every day. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 30 at 10am at the Plattsburgh Memorial Chapel. Donations can be made in Rosemary’s name to the music fund at the Champlain Valley Senior Community, 10 Gilliland Lane, Willsboro, NY 12996.