Juliette Priscilla Rathbun, 72, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, October 8. Julie fought her glioblastoma battle with dignity and grace and made every effort to live life to the fullest with those she loved and cherished.
Julie was born on July 21, 1951, in Great Barrington, the daughter of the late Peter J. and Irene Yedesko Zanini. She grew up in Housatonic and was a 1969 graduate of Monument Mountain.
Julie married her high school sweetheart, David Rathbun, on August 9, 1969, in Housatonic. Together they owned and operated Rathbun’s Village Variety in West Stockbridge for 22 years. Prior to that, Julie worked at Jennifer House, Gumdrop Square, Country Curtains, and Simons Rock, from which she retired following her diagnosis.
Julie and her husband owned “The Village Variety 99” race car for many years, earning several track titles and many victories.
Julie was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with her family as well as the ladies Thursday night golf league at Stockbridge Golf Club. She and David were always present at all their grandchildren’s school and sporting events, always cheering them on.
Julie is survived by her husband of 54 years, David; daughters Jennifer Wilkinson (Wayne) and Jodi Rathbun (Jeffrey); five grandchildren, Hayley, Evan, and Aaron Wilkinson and Taylor (Brian) and Logan Rathbun; her brothers Richard (Lucille) and Peter; and her sister Margaret Blackwell (Edgar).
Funeral Services for Juliette Priscilla “Julie” Rathbun will be held on Thursday, October 12, at 10 a.m., with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Corpus Christi Church Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Housatonic, with Reverend Brian McGrath officiating. Burial will follow in Saint Bridget’s Cemetery in Housatonic. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Birches-Roy Funeral Home, 33 South St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Julie’s memory can be made to Friends of Moe or HospiceCare in the Berkshires, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be made through the funeral home’s website.
