Florence L. Tabash

Florence Tabash passed away peacefully at the age of 97, after a long and fulfilling life.

She is survived by her children, Janice Rakitnichan, Patty (Babe) Tabash, and Anne Tabash; her eight grandchildren, Sheri Carter, Sean Rakitnichan, Suzanne and Heather DeKelaita, Daniel and Branden Tabash, and Andrea and Alison Sicoli; and her four great-grandchildren, Alex and Jacob Carter, Collins Faltynski, and Shane Rakitnichan.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Henry A. Tabash, her son Henry D. Tabash, and son-in-law Steven Rakitnichan.

Born and raised in Billings, Montana, Florence moved with her family to Santa Clara, California, in 1947 at the age of 19. She met her future husband, Henry, while working at a local movie theatre. When her family later returned to Montana, Florence remained in California where she and Henry married and began their life together in June 1950.

In 1960, Florence and Henry settled in Petaluma, where they raised their four children. Florence worked for 20 years as a Teacher’s Aide at Bernard Eldridge Elementary School before retiring. She found joy in gardening, collecting dolls, and—most of all—spoiling her grandchildren. She loved dining out with family and friends and exploring a variety of cuisines.

A Celebration of Life and interment will be held on March 20, 2026.