Nona Soodan

1937 - 2016

Nona Suzanne Soodan CHICAGO - Nona Soodan (nee Rathbun) was born May 20, 1937 in Frankfort, MI, to Harold Zeitz Rathbun and Sylvia Berger. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 26, 2016 at her home in Chicago at the age of 79. Nona was born and raised in a small town in Michigan, and lived a life of caring for others. Her natural inclination of caring for others led her to pursue a career in nursing. She graduated from nursing school in Petoskey, MI and worked as a private duty nurse in Chicago. It was on a dance floor in Chicago where she ultimately met a young engineering student from India. Nona and Kehar married in Bombay, India in 1966 (her hometown paper wedding announcement listed the wedding location as Bombay, Indiana). This was the beginning of her blending of Midwestern and Indian cultures, which she did gracefully her whole life. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary December 11th. After settling in Chicago, she continued her care for others and took great joy in raising her family. She is survived by her children Ranjit (Aimee) Soodan of Oak Park, Maya (Mark) Miller of Chicago and Tarik Soodan of Chicago; her four grandchildren India, Spencer, Sam and Nina; her brother Douglas Rathbun; and a wealth of devoted nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kehar, her parents, and her sister Bonnie. A celebration gathering will be held Sunday, December 4 at the Carleton of Oak Park,1110 Pleasant Street, Oak Park, IL. A brief remembrance will be held at 10 a.m. An open house brunch and visitation will be offered until 2 pm. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Sharing Caring Service Foundation, 29057 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA. 90265.