Janet (Jan) Hall Rathbun, 81, died peacefully Friday, Sept. 25. Jan was born in Brunswick, Me., on Oct. 5, 1938, the daughter of William and Caro Hall. A longtime resident of Norfolk and Colebrook, she is remembered for a life rich with deep friendships, adventures and enduring love. 

Jan exemplified the adage “when something needs to be done well, ask a busy person.” Her interests and passions ran wide and deep. Jan’s appreciation for heritage and craftsmanship led to her professional position as the founding director and curator of the Hitchcock Chair Museum and years of service on the board of the Colebrook Historical Society. Antique tools and photographs were artfully placed throughout the home she shared with her husband Jerome (Jerry) Rathbun, creating a sense of continuity with past, present and future generations. 

Jan “walked the talk” of volunteer service and advocacy, serving on the governing Boards of the Colebrook Associates, Foothills Visiting Nurses Association, Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation and Battell Arts Foundation. She was a member of the Norfolk Library Associates and a hospice volunteer. The ever-present twinkle in her eyes, ready smile, and can-do spirit brought people together, creating ties that bind. Jan reveled in friendships that crossed every type of boundary: geographic, societal, generational. 

As mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, no occasion was too small to celebrate, no momentary sadness too trivial to console. Jan was playful, known for building fairy houses and playing a fierce game of hearts. She found the love of her life in Jerry Rathbun. Sharing a passion for travel, they saw the markets of Istanbul, the polar bear migration in Manitoba and the cobbled streets of Paris. At home, Jan’s hospitality was legendary. Delicious meals were accompanied by ample servings of laughter and joy.

Jan is survived by her husband Jerry Rathbun; four children and their partners, Mark Fairman, Richard Fairman (Dori), Laura Fairman Waldron (Neil), Lisa Fairman (Kim Wilson); six grandchildren, Patrick, Christopher, Lauren, Mia, Kelsey and Kelley; and two great-grandchildren, Austin and Allison. 

Jerry, their children and grandchildren will honor Jan’s memory in a private family service at South Cemetery in Colebrook. A celebration of her life is planned for the spring. Memorial contributions can be made to the Colebrook Historical Society, the Foothills Visiting Nurse Association, or the Norfolk Lions Club Ambulance. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.