Lula Mary Furman Rathburn (1911-2012)

FARMINGTON – Lula Mary Furman Rathburn, 101, died peacefully with her family by her side on Sept. 29, 2012 at the Sandy River Center for Health Care in Farmington.

She was born on June 21, 1911 in Rutland, Vermont, the third child of 10 children of Roy and Rosa (Anthony) Furman. She graduated from high school at the Black River Academy in Ludlow, VT. She waitressed in the White Mountains resort area in New Hampshire and was one of five girls who used to go in Mr. Wrigley’s touring car limousine with the chauffeur.

She and her first husband, Everett owned and operated an apple farm in Bethel, Maine. She worked as a registration clerk at the University of Connecticut, and in clothing sales for Sage Allen. Her favorite job of all was as a nanny for her good friends Bill and Jean Lonergan, caring for their son Robbie.

In her later years, she worked at the Windham High School Day Care in Willimantic, Conn. She was a member of the Moose Club and the Rebekah’s while living in Connecticut. She loved watching and was a loyal fan of the UConn girls basketball team.

She was a very social person and her brother in-law always referred to her as “Lula-go” as she wouldn’t even get her jacket off before she would be ready to go again. She was passionate about the game of Bingo and played 18 cards at a time and was constantly winning.

She is survived by her brother, Warren Furman of Rutland, Vt.; her beloved grandchildren, Erik Johnson and wife Trudy of Farmington, Elizabeth Vankirk and husband Jon of Midland, Mich.; her great grandchildren, Erika (who’s company she greatly enjoyed) and Mariah Johnson, Emily, Sophia, Alex, Sabrina and Anna Vankirk, Aaron Rathburn and Valerie Rathburn of Conn.; her special niece, Avis Sumner and husband Kenneth of Shelburn Falls, Mass.; her brother in-law, Bud Rathburn and friend Josie of Willimantic, Conn.; many step children, step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by; her parents; her siblings, Cora Sumner, Pearle Picard, Helen Furman, Alden Furman, Lee Furman, Ruth Belisle, Hazel Gorsky and Grace Cole; infant son and daughter Constance Lou Bean; great grandson, Alek Johnson; spouses, Everett Bean, Bob Walker and William Rathburn Sr.

Private services will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, ME.