Rachelle “Rae” B. Simard
AUBURN – Rachelle “Rae” B. Simard of Schooner Estates, Auburn, died after a long illness on June 5, 2022, at St Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston.
Born May 15, 1938, at her parent’s Bradford Street, Lewiston home, she was the fourth of eight children born to Gerard and Annonciade (Chenard) Grenier.
Deeply devoted to her faith, she was a lifelong member of Holy Family Church, Prince of Peace Parish in Lewiston. She attended and graduated from Holy Family School. She took lessons from the sisters at Holy Family and learned to play the piano. Rachelle briefly attended Lewiston High School but regretted that she was unable to graduate when she left school to care for her younger siblings during her mother’s illness.
She married Richard W. Simard in 1954 and together they had and raised six children. In 1957, Rachelle, Richard and their first two children moved into her father’s Bradford Street home to care for Rachelle’s younger siblings; where she would remain and spend nearly 80 years of her life welcoming several generations of family and friends.
Rachelle cherished spending time with her family and friends in Maine and in Arizona. She delighted in musical theater and concerts, attending shows in New York, Las Vegas, Phoenix and LA Community Little Theater. She enjoyed traveling to Canada, Mexico and Italy. She took pleasure in knitting, fashioning countless mittens, scarves, hats and slippers.
In addition to her role as homemaker, she worked at various times for Raytheon, Marchand Moccasins, Cottles, and Sears.
She was a lifetime member of the Ladies of St. Ann Sodality at Holy Family, a former member of The Patronesses of St. Mary’s, Mother of the Year, a one time Lector at Holy Family Church and at various times a church choir member.
She was predeceased by her husband Richard; sisters Nancy and Sonia, brothers Gerard and Roger; and great-grandson, Grayson
She is survived by sisters Sylvia LeBlanc (Julian), Celine Duchette (Gerard) and brother, Maurice (Vickie); children Catherine (Carl) Rodrigue, Danny, Sandra (David) Rossignol, Tammy (Jeffrey) Lever, Michael (Kim Delano) and Lisa (Elwin) Scott; seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren; dear cousin, Pauline Couture; dear neighbor and lifelong friend, Pauline Plourde; and finally, her beloved cat, Oscar De La Renta.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Jordan, Lisa MacKenzie, her home health nurse of six years, St Mary’s staff on C2 and her caregivers at Schooner Estates. Special thank you to Larry Morin and Celine Gibbins of St. Mary’s residences for the love you gave Mom, she loved living there.
Visitation will be held at the Albert and Burpee Funeral Home on Thursday, June 23 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 24, at Holy Family Church, committal prayers at St. Peter’s Cemetery to conclude the services. Memories may be shared at http://www.albert-burpee.com.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the
Greater Androscoggin Humane Society,
55 Strawberry Ave.,
Lewiston, ME 04240
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