Britomar J. Lathrop

Britomar J. Lathrop, 90, died Tuesday, October 04, 2011 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born February 17, 1921 in New York, NY the daughter of Ray and Helen (Slimovitz) Johnson. Graduate of the University of California at Berkley with a PhD in Psychology. Brit worked for Singer Mental Health Center for many years before opening her own private practice, retiring at the age of 85.She was an avid volunteer at Severson Dells, an active Quaker, member of Rockford Writers Guild, Word Weavers and Woman Space. She donated and supported various charitable organizations throughout her years and helped to create Contact, a crisis phone line.She was a remarkable woman who enjoyed nature, her family and friends; she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.Survivors include her daughter, Zena (Neil Johnson) Handlon; step children, Judy (Roderick) Groves, Tom (Johanna Beyers) Lathrop and Janet (Charles) Fischer; grandchildren, Adina Teibloom; step grandchildren Alexandre and Peyton Johnson, Sharon and Keith Groves, Arthur, Ellie and Zachary Lathrop, Tegan and Chad Fischer and 5 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Lyle in June of 2008. Memorial service Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. at Wesley Willows, Willows Room 4141 N. Rockton Ave.Inurnment in Udina Cemetery following the service. Shiva will be observed at the home of Zena Handlon beginning Sunday late afternoon until Wednesday morning.In lieu of flowers memorials in Britomars name to: Severson Dells,8786 Montague Road, Rockford, IL 611029713 or to Southern Law Poverty Center, http://www.splcenter.org. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel is assisting the family.