Judith R. Whitney

Judith Rathbun Whitney, of Chester, previously of Old Lyme passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026, with her family by her side. She was 91.Born February 19th,1935 in New London, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Douglas Joseph Rathbun and Lillian Morlock Rathbun of Old Lyme. She was the sister of Margaret Rathbun Scheide of Old Lyme ( 1929 to 2012 ) She married Bruce Slocum Whitney (Dec.1931 to Sept.1991) in Old Lyme in 1956, after which they moved to California. She resided in Saratoga, California for many years where she raised her family, pursued her love as an artist, enjoyed sailing, gardening, and was a member of Summit League of Saratoga. Upon the death of her husband, Judy returned to Old Lyme in 1994 where she continued to pursue her art and volunteered at the Florence Griswold Museum. She was a second-generation member of the Old Lyme Beach Club. Judy was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Colonial Dames. She was a direct descendant of William Brewster who came over on the Mayflower and also a direct descendant of John Rathbone, an original purchaser and settler of Block

Island.

She is survived by daughters Anne Whitney Molinari (Joe) of California & Elizabeth Whitney (Carl Friberg) of Idaho, son Joshua Whitney, of Arizona, her grandchildren Amanda Molinari (Chris Vallejo) and Anthony Molinari of California. She is survived by

her niece Jane Scheide Schellens (Tom) of Old Lyme.

Of all the hearts she touched, her biggest gift was the unconditional love she shared with her children. She will be greatly missed.

Memorial service pending. Private burial at Duck River Cemetery.