Janice A. Rathbun

Rev. Janice Annette (Austin) Rathbun of Westford, VT, 76, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Friday, May 8, 2020 at home surrounded by her family. She was born on July 30, 1943 in Middlebury, VT, the daughter of Rev. Wayne G. Austin and Elizabeth (Palmer) Austin.

Janice attended Springfield College before marrying her loving husband, Maurice R. Rathbun, on October 26, 1963. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Vermont (UVM) in 1983, while working as a Teacher’s Aide. She lived a life of teaching and serving others. She taught Kindergarten at Chamberlin School, while completing a Master of Education at UVM in 1989. Janice pursued the call into ministry, graduating from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC in 2000 and was ordained as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church in 2005. She faithfully served both the Moretown United Methodist Church and the Waterville Union Church.

Janice loved spending time with her family, especially her well-loved grandchildren. She enjoyed observing monarch butterflies, traveling, camping, gardening, and visiting the seashore.

She leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Maurice Rathbun; her daughter, Robin (and Timothy) Witt of Fairfax, VT; her son, Wayne (and Mindy) Rathbun of Gorham, ME; her sister, Nancie (and Blair) Austin-Bradley of Berlin, VT; her five grandchildren, Josiah Witt, Malachi Witt, Anna Rathbun, Molly Rathbun, and Sarah Rathbun; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In memory of the life of Janice A. Rathbun, please generously give to someone in need, demonstrating the love of God.