Rachel L. Jean

OXNARD, Calif. – Rachel L. Jean passed away at her home in Oxnard, Calif., on May 5, 2022, at the age of 98, after a short illness. Rachel was born in Lewiston, Maine, on Feb. 12, 1924, to Amedee and Marie Anne (Lamontagne) Lamontagne.

Rachel was educated at St. Peter’s school and finished her studies at Cours Superior. She then worked as a battery hand at Bates Mill where she met her future husband, Laurier. They married on April, 7, 1956, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Lewiston, where she was an active member of the charitable organizations Les Dames de Charite and Les Dames de Ste-Anne. She also helped out at the parish bean suppers on Saturday nights.

Rachel was a gifted seamstress, making clothing for herself and her children, including a baptismal ensemble that was worn by her children, her god children and her granddaughter. Rachel also enjoyed knitting and made beautiful afghans and winter wear.

In 1984, Rachel, Laurier and their daughters moved to Oxnard, Calif., where the climate was more temperate. There, Rachel was an active member of the Women’s Council at St. Anthony Parish where she served on the Altar Committee for 15 years. A great cook, Rachel often had soup waiting for her grandchildren when they would go over after school everyday.

Family was very important to Rachel as she attended many of her grandchildren’s school and sporting events. She also enjoyed camping, traveling, attending outdoor concerts and hockey games.

Rachel was predeceased by her husband of 50 years Laurier; her daughter Denise and her son Richard.

Rachel is survived by her daughter, Claire Jean, her grandsons Richard (Kate) Bell and Luc Bell, granddaughter Renee Bell; and great-granddaughter Avery Jean Bell, all of California; and sister-in-law Venise Moreau of Lewiston.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00, June 15, 2022, in the upper church of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, in Lewiston, followed by committal prayers at St. Peter Cemetery, Lewiston.