Florida artist June Harben, 93, of Clearwater passed away on January 22, 2023. She was born in Clewiston, Florida on June 5, 1929 to a family who pioneered South Florida, and married a classmate from Clewiston High school. She was the Class Salutatorian.
Her husband of 71 years, Frank P. Harben, chose a military career. June traveled extensively, yet always felt drawn to the beauty of Florida. She dedicated her life to her art, excelling at both landscapes and portraiture. Active in the Tampa Bay art scene, her paintings have won awards in exhibitions across the South. She was a member of the Pastel Society of America and owner-operator of H’Art studio-gallery in Dunedin, Florida.
June Harben is survived by her husband, Frank; two daughters, Jo Louise Harben and Jayme Claire O’Daniel; and two grandchildren, Jeremy E. Collins and Sarah M. O’Daniel. She has three great-grandchildren, Sita Collins, Maya Jade Collins and Veda O’Daniel. June is also survived by her sister, Christine Howell of Clewiston; and four nephews: Greg and Keith Howell, and David and George Luke.
She was preceded in death by her son, James Lewis Harben; a sister, Helen Luke of Tallahassee; and her parents, George and Gladys Espenlaub of Clewiston.
A memorial service will be held at Peacefield Mausoleum, Sylvan Abbey, 2860 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at noon.