Tanya Jane Rabe-Blanc, 65, of Largo, Florida, passed away on September 26, 2026, surrounded by her family and loved ones after a long illness.

Tanya was born on February 12, 1961, in Iowa City, Iowa to Bill and Sandra (Sandee) Hurd. She spent much of her life in Largo, Florida, where she built a life centered around the people she loved most.

Tanya was kind, compassionate, funny, outgoing, generous, and so much more. She never hesitated to help someone who needed it, talk to a stranger, rescue an animal, or make someone laugh. She had a way of making people feel welcome, loved, important, and like family, and those who knew her will remember her for beautiful smile, her laugh, sense of humor, kindness, strength, and generosity.

She loved all animals, no matter the size, music, gardening, and especially tending to her variety of Plumeria plants.

Above all else, Tanya loved her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter. Her family was at the center of her world. She shared nearly 37 years with her husband, William (Bub) Blanc, and their life together was filled with many memorable stories, including trips to Hawaii and the Rockies. They enjoyed their rides on the Harley and their 3 different Rottweilers, which were family; Brutus was the longest member of the family (14 yrs).

Tanya spent her adult life of approximately 45 years (since October of 1980) working at Paradyne/Zone/DZSI in Largo, Florida as a Senior Configuration Control Analyst.

As a mother, Tanya shared an especially close bond with her daughter, Jenniffer.

Becoming a grandmother brought Tanya tremendous joy. She adored her grandchildren, Jesse, Juliet, and Aurora. Tanya loved attending their activities, making them laugh, and spending holidays and birthdays together. She couldn’t spoil them enough. The little ones loved calling her Ya-Ya and seeing her smile. She was especially proud to watch her grandson Jesse on graduation day.

Tanya is survived by her mother, Sandra (Sandee) Sutter-Johnson; her beloved husband, William (Bub) Blanc; her daughter, Jenniffer (Rabe) Nichols and her husband, Chris Nichols; her grandchildren, Jesse Sychowski, Juliet, and Aurora Nichols; her brothers, Bob Loeb of Florida, Jackie Hurd of Iowa; Billie Hurd of Kansas, and Robert Sutter of Florida; and the many extended family members and friends whose lives she touched.

She is preceded in death by her father, Bill Hurd; her sister, Candy Fleming; her grandparents, Albert Kauffman and Barbara (Neighbours) Povolo; and her great grandmother, Esther (Neighbours) Lobe.

Those who knew Tanya will remember her not simply for the things she did, but for the way she made people feel. She loved deeply, and gave freely of her time and wisdom. Her presence left an imprint on the people who were fortunate enough to know her, and her family will carry that love with them always.

A celebration of Tanya's life will be announced for a later date.

Family and friends will be invited to gather together to remember Tanya and celebrate the life she shared with those she loved.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. Please speak of her often and keep her memory alive.