Rubetta Gale Palan passed away peacefully on the morning of February 22, 2021. She was born and raised in St. Louis and moved to the Washington D.C. area after college with her husband and high school sweetheart, Perry, to raise their children. Rubetta was an enthusiastic and dedicated early childhood educator.

She maintained a positive outlook on life despite experiencing many tragedies, the passing of her mother Fanny and older sister Connie when Rubetta was a child, and later in life the passing of her infant, second daughter Robin and her infant granddaughter Mia.  She developed a deep sense of empathy from these tragedies, appreciating people as they are and seeing the good in everyone.

She will be remembered for her shoulder to cry on, her ears for listening to your worries and problems, the Friday night, Passover, and High Holiday dinners, her silliness and willingness to laugh at her herself, and Huckle-Buckle-Beanstalk games.

Rubetta is survived by her husband Perry, her children Felicia, Michael, and Stephen, and her grandchildren Chloe, Skyler, Nina, Owen, and Olive. Funeral services are being held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.