June Helen Rich

June Helen Gerges Rich, 82 of Florence passed away on Sunday September 11, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood. She was born in Morristown, New Jersey to Andy and Helen Gerges and pursued a 40 year nursing career after attending John Hopkins University. She is preceded in death by her husband retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Charles Rich, son Michael Talabesky, brother Tom Gerges and her parents. June was a member of the Florence Women’s Club, Hospitality Homemakers and St. Paul Church. Her son Tim recalled that his mother was “a great cook”. In the early 1970’s she competed in the annual Eastern Shore, Maryland Chicken Cooking Contest and won first prize. She was awarded $10,000 and the judge of the contest was none other than Colonel Harlan Sanders. June is survived by her daughter Heather Talabesky, Tallahassee, Florida, son Tim Talabesky, Pasadena, Maryland and granddaughters Laurel Talabesky and Ella Talabesky Sonkin. June loved animals and memorial contributions may be directed to any SPCA.