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June 29, 1924 – May 4, 2014 at Age 90+

The 2nd of seven surviving children born to Harry A. and Frances B. (O’Brien) Steinberg in Little Falls, New York. Educated at St. Mary’s School in Little Falls and went on to attend nursing school at St. Luke’s Hospital (now part of Syracuse University), Utica N.Y., graduating with a degree in nursing in 1945. She met Frederick C. Rathbun in Mohawk, N.Y. They were married at Fort Belvoir, MD, on June 3, 1944. She work at Little Falls Hospital as an RN until 1955 when the family moved to Riverton Heights (now Seatac) in south Seattle. The family resides their 60 years later. Working as an RN in private Practice in Auburn 1955-1960 and Normandy Park (Drs. Claunch & Sheveland) until 1973. Receiving an associate Degree in Social Services from WWSU in Bellingham in 1978. She served as Medical Coordinator for CAS (Methadone Center) until 1981 and at Renton Hospital Clinics (now Valley Med. Center) until retirement in 1986. 

During her long retirement she went to Ireland (3 times); served on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Mental Health District (Burien); was an officer and member of the American Legion in Burien; played the organ at functions and took lessons from Prossers’ (Key Players); and took up sewing, embroidery, knitting, quilt making. She was an active member of the West Seattle Senior Center, the Red Shield Senior Centers (West and South Seattle groups), the Union Gospel Seniors, the Olympia Quilter Guild; the Irish Heritage Club (Seattle), and worked various activities in support for the Knights of Columbus She was a member of D.A.R. Herkimer Branch and the St. Luke’s Alumni Association).

She had a very active, full, and rewarding life. She was married over fifty years to Fred Rathbun, they raise two sons. She had enjoyed all of the relative and problems extended families can get into A sister and three brothers joined her in Seattle in the fifties and two sisters Remain in New York.

She was preceeded in death by her youngest son, Francis B. (1979) and husband, Frederick C. (1995).

Also passing have been her older sister Julia McPherson, youngest brother James Steinberg, and older brother Harry. She is survived by her son Henry Jay Rathbun, sisters: Evelyn Pachut in St. Johnsville, N.Y, and Shirely Urich of Little Falls, N.Y.; and her bother William (Bill) Steinberg of Seattle, and Sister-in-law Nancy Murphy (Ilion, New York). There are many god children, cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and other in-laws too numerous to mention.

She will miss their cheery demeanor, their smiles and love as they will her’s.

Services will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church (Tukwila). Viewing will be held at 10:00 AM, a Rosary will be prayed at 10:30, and a Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM.


Comments

Our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved mother. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. --Larry & Penny


It saddens me that I can not be there for the service due to being stationed overseas but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I've known Harriet my entire life seeing as I was raised by her brother (my grandfather) William Steinberg. I remember seeing her every year for the holidays. It was always such a wonderful time getting to talk to her and listen to her stories. The steinbergs are notorious for life stories and left you in awe. She was a beautiful woman with an equally beautiful soul. I love and will forever miss her. Rest in paradise sweet aunt Harriet. --Christina


It saddens me that I can not be there for the service due to being stationed overseas but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I've known Harriet my entire life seeing as I was raised by her brother (my grandfather) William Steinberg. I remember seeing her every year for the holidays. It was always such a wonderful time getting to talk to her and listen to her stories. The steinbergs are notorious for life stories and left you in awe. She was a beautiful woman with an equally beautiful soul. I love and will forever miss her. Rest in paradise sweet aunt Harriet.

--Christina


I'll miss you SIS. I'll miss the visits,and the lengthily phone calls.
You showed me many kindnesses, starting with giving me a place to stay
when i first moved to Seattle until i found a job and brought my family
here. You will be missed by many.

Bill

--William Steinberg


I'm sorry we weren't able to make it home for the service, but we are thinking about everyone. I have many fond memories of grandma and aunt Harriet and their sisterly squabbles. She will be missed! Much love to you all.

--Christina McPherson-Mock


Make a donation to The Co-op Funeral Home of People's Memorial