We hope you are enjoying this tribute and feel free to leave messages or thoughts about Rachel in our Guestbook. We hope that everyone will feel welcome. We do want to ensure that all messages are respectful and will therefore review each comment before it is posted to this site. Please allow us up to 48 hours to complete the review/posting process.
hey guerin family and friends!
seems I’m the first one to leave a comment. well, I just wanted to let you know I really love this website. thanks for your great work!
hope everyone is doing well,
mathilda
Comment by mathilda — 11 January 2008 @ 9:11 am
Rachel was always my favorite cousin. She used to come to Hills Beach with her brothers and sisters in her mother’s touring car but kept her overnight more than once. She was six months older than my younger sister and four months younger than me. For 50 years we wrote to each other twice a month. Her letters were always so interesting. She remembered my eight children by name, etc. I could not keep up with hers because I did not meet them often. In later years, when I had my own home at Hills Beach, I would call her on a hot summer day to come and cool off. We had such good itmes together. She was the best sport in the world. All my children, brothers and sisters loved her as well. I cannot tell you how much I miss her already. She always made you feel welcome and you could not leave without sharing a cup of tea and some of her goodies. How fortunate I was to have such a loving cousin to grow up with. I will never forget her.
Comment by Priscilla Garnache Kelley — 13 January 2008 @ 10:50 am
Hello Guerin family–
My name is Missy and I am a C.N.A. at St.Andre’s Healthcare that took care of Rachel in her final days. I just wanted to let you know that you did a great job on the wesite. It was a pleasure being able to take care of and get to know Rachel. She was an amazing person and had an amazing family. You all were so great to her. I also had the pleasure of taking care of her sister Gertrude and her husband Raymond. What an amazing family you all are. Well keep up the good work on the site. It looks great. Rachel will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Comment by Missy Sylvestre (c.n.a. @ St. Andre's) — 13 January 2008 @ 8:41 pm
As next to the youngest of the family I am quite divorced from the antics of my sister Rachel as a teenager. The one thing that I remember, however, is that we could not touch the hot water she had heating on the stove for her bath on date nights.
Then on those date nights, the younger brothers and I, peeking around the corener of the living room door always hoped to catch Robert kissing her. He eventually obliged to our great glee.
By the time I married, she was ahead of me reproducing but it became apparent that I conceivably could catch up with her. It became a game. As soon as one of us suspected that she was pregnant, she would call the other to warn her, but it usually was too late.
She became my lifeline during my darkest days when I lived in what felt like total isolation in Kennebunk. She was my medical advisor on children’s ailments and her fee was the best in town. How I envied her nature. She was unflappable, I verged on the hysteria. She was a combination Dr. Spock, Dr. Haas, Dr. Seuss, and Ann Landers.
Once our reproductive years came to an end, our friendly competition took a new direction. Bird watching was big for us one winter. I called her one day gloating over the arrival of pine siskins at my feeder. Two days later a postcard arrived on which Rachel wrote: “The following came to call……” I followed this with a two-word phone conversation, “I conceded.”
I never thought that we looked alike or had similar personalities. I was proven wrong during a quilting class in Alfred. One of the instructors kept insisting that I reminded her of someone. One class night she asked me if I had a sister Rachel. Here was a woman who until this class had been a total stranger inquiring about Rachel. How so? She had met her at another class offered at Biddeford Adult Ed. This would be the first of other such coincidences.
And so, big sister, mentor, she-who-taught-me-how-to-hit the sales counters at Porteous, and heart of the family, adieu. We miss you.
Comment by Micheline Neveux — 14 January 2008 @ 5:24 pm
Rachel’s death is an example of the frailty of life. We never know when it will be our time. I wish i could have known her better.
Comment by Nick Neveux — 14 January 2008 @ 10:09 pm
Aunt Rachel was my god-mother and so my middle name is Rachel. I always liked visiting with her. I really miss her as she was so helpful to my sisters and I when my mother, (Suzanne for those who don’t know) went through her illness last summer. I thought my mother went quickly, but not as fast as Aunt Rachel. I always thought I’d have more time since Memere lived to be 98 years old.
Denise R. Gobeil
Comment by Denise R. Gobeil — 15 January 2008 @ 7:53 pm
Hello to The Guerin Family and Friends! I am related to the Guerins through my grandmother, Beatrice (Auger) Roux; my parents are Phil and Sue Roux at Biddeford Pool, ME. I’ve lived in AZ for the past 30 years as a result of Rachel’s son, Philip, suggesting to my sister, Michelle, and I to head to Phoenix to work in a posh resort as waitresses for “the season” (December through May) in 1980 and make tons of money! Well, Philip “Zap,” Michie, and I are still living out West…I’ve stayed abreast of the goings-on in the Guerin Family through Philip for the past 28 years and have admired Rachel’s many talents, sense of humor, zest for life and passion for her family from afar. We are blessed to have had such living angel among us! This website is a beautiful tribute to the manner in which Rachel Lived her Life to the Fullest and is an Inspiration to us all!
Comment by Julie Roux Harris — 28 January 2008 @ 7:25 pm
I was updating my birthdays and addresses. What a lousy feeling I had when I crossed off Rachel’s birthday and removed the her specially designed card envelope from my desktop. I don’t understand where all these people are who should be writing in the guest book. I am disappointed that my own children are taking so long to put down on paper what they really felt about Rachel. I used to tease her and introduce her as my “crazy cousin.” I never asked her if it bothered her but I meant it in a loving way. I never enjoyed anyone else’s company as much as hers. I am going to remind people of the guest book because I don’t think they realize how interesting it can be.
Comment by Priscilla Garnache Kelley — 5 February 2008 @ 6:07 pm
Since the launch of this lovely website and the open invitation to comment, post, contribute, reminisce, I’ve been mulling over how best to pay tribute to Memere in a single entry. It is simply not possible, so part of me has been resisting what I felt was a daunting task. However, I am taking Priscilla’s most recent note to heart. Posting does not need to be a treatise, it can just be a passing thought or anecdote to share with others.
I’ve felt the compulsion to clean and declutter my apartment lately. Call it cabin fever from the already-long winter or the sudden realization that at 28 I’m on track to be a grievous packrat. It seems that every folder I rifle through, every box of photos, every old handbag seems to have a letter from Memere tucked away in it. (I thought I’d been keeping them all together…somehow, through my eight apartments in six years — a mild delusion.) One, a birthday card with photos enclosed, another a lengthier chronicle of summer visitors, household chores, and a narrative of Pepere’s insistence on picking every last raspberry in the patch in the highest of heat. That these letters are squirreled away in all corners and crannies of my life is a melancholy treat, and it feels like a metaphor for her influence on my life: immeasurable, with surprising finds here and there. (Like the fact that we actually look quite alike!)
Take care, everyone…
Comment by Rochelle Bourgault — 6 February 2008 @ 11:31 pm
The best pie I have ever eaten was made by Mrs. G. It was a raspberry pie that she delivered to me in Kennebunk. I had just had a baby and she came down for a vist and brough this delicious pie! She always made you feel like you were one of her extended family. She helped me with knitting projects and shared with me her pie crust recipe which I use whenever I make a pie. Thank you for creating this beautiful site. I enjoyed seeing the photos of Rachel. Thanks.
Comment by Terri — 19 February 2008 @ 11:47 am
The site is awesome. I can now show everyone how great my great Aunt Was. We miss her!
[Yahoo! digital noise edited out by Nick]
Comment by Tebbenhoff Family ( Eric, Laurie, + Chelsea ) — 19 February 2008 @ 3:28 pm
I remember my first day back in Maine after Rachel’s tumor had been diagnosed - how Rachel seemed to give in to her sadness as soon as she saw me. She cried easily - so different from how I remembered her. After going through the ordeal with her, I now understand all of the tears that Nick shed while he was hospitalized for 3 months in 2003 - uncertain of his own future.
I felt ready to slaw dragons on Rachel’s behalf and told her that I was there to help her through things; to ensure that she would be fine. However, very quickly, it became obvious that things were not going the way we all hoped they would. I realize now that my frustration with the situation must have come across as impatience with Rachel. For that, I will always be sorry. Working with Nick, who is younger and healthier, was tough. Once he decided he wanted to recover, however, his healing took off and he was able to fend for himself. Even if Rachel wanted to recover or survive, there was so much damage already, it would have been nearly impossible to ensure her comfort, and she never would have been able to get along without assistance. Had I understood that damage and how it would affect her, I may have found a better way to support her during her last weeks.
In hindsight, I wish I had taken to telling her that I loved her each day during those last weeks. While I hope that it was understood, I still think it did her heart good whenever she heard any of us say it to her.
This site has become a joy after such a horrific month of November. But I’ve seen the great photos of her with Chris, Rochelle, and with cousin Ben’s wife, Lydia, and I feel a tinge of jealousy because I don’t have a similar recent photo of her with me.
Comment by Louise — 21 February 2008 @ 10:28 pm
We just reviewed this wonderful memorial for Mrs. Guerin. Although we never had the pleasure of meeting her, we think that she was a “spunky” lady who loved life….and the chicken dance. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With sympathy, Sharalyn & David Andrews
Comment by Sharalyn & David Andrews — 22 February 2008 @ 6:42 pm
As an engineer for T-Mobile, in course of pursuing a regional cell phone complaint from South St. in Biddeford today, I amazingly stumbled on this memorial website to Mrs. Guerin, whom I remember from my high school years. In 1972, I and my brother Tim were guests of the Guerins (specifically Roger and Louise) as part of an exchange concert between North Middlesex Reg. HS (Townsend, MA) and Biddeford HS. Mrs. Guerin was a wonderful exchange hostess, giving us a “grand tour” of Biddeford. She took us out to pick “sea glass” at Biddeford Pool, giving us bottles of water to keep the shiny glass and to refract its light. She and Robert also graced me with one of their vintage expired Maine license plates with the word “PRAY” (I collected them in those days). I remain the “proud owner” of both the license plate and the sea glass bottle, which today graces my computer desk. Doubtless, you have lost a wonderful wife, mother and friend. But if Rachel’s life reflected the message on the plate you all gave me, then may it be that today she is found in even better Company.
Comment by Chris Anderson, Barrington, RI — 25 February 2008 @ 12:58 pm
This is the time of the year we usually pack a few extra canned goods, etc. in a special box to take to Maine for the summer. I am not in a hurry to go to Maine this year because I will not see Rachel. She was just part of being in Maine. As far as I am concerned, Maine is not Maine without Rachel. Half the fun of going there was to spend time with her. We didn’t go shopping together…mostly we visited back and forth when we had a chance. She edited my book and then I printed one out for her to give to her children. She was so pleased with her little book and so anxious for the children to see it. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did putting it together.
Comment by Priscilla Garnache Kelley — 26 March 2008 @ 2:23 pm
Rachel was always a very jolly Mom, welcoming her children home with joy on many, many occasions. Family members from out of town found the greatest treats of home made pies from the fruit of Robert’s garden. She never failed to remember family birthdays with cards filed with writings of what was currently happening. My favorite pie was strawberry rhubarb. She had one ready when I visited her. Then, she sent me a detailed recipe so I could try to reproduce her pie. Somehow, it never came out quite the same. She had that special magical culinary touch that was difficult to duplicate. She truly enjoyed her family members; gathering at their homes for games or dinners. She was always most welcomed, for she had a very special quality of warmth, humor, and inner spirituality. It is these memories that will be held in the hearts of the many who knew her. A new angel is on board in heaven.
Comment by Rose Neveux - March 28 @ 4:45P.M.
Comment by Rose Neveux — 28 March 2008 @ 6:45 pm
Rachel was as perfect a human being as one can be. I always felt like I had come home cme from some far away place when I was in her company. We will never know how her goodness will cause others to replicate her virtues. She was my favorite cousin.
Comment by Charles Garnache — 6 April 2008 @ 10:31 am
Rachel was a lovely person. Years ago my family went through a very difficult time and she took me in for several days (she is my mother’s cousin). She was wonderful to me, treating me like a member of the family. The entire family made me feel at home during a very difficult time.
My best memory of Rachel is her visits to our summer home at Hills Beach, she was such a happy vibrant person. I can’t believe I won’t see that smile and hear that laugh again. She was so full of life so happy and fun to be with. Every year I would have a summer BBQ, her & Robert would come and she would liven the party up. She will be missed.
Comment by Diane Lefebvre — 6 April 2008 @ 11:07 am
In the nineties I had expressed interest in the genealogical history of the Garnache family. Rachel was invited to a dinner at Margaret and Dave’s summer house in Biddeford, Maine. Rachel brought an envelope which was filled with the genealogy of this family. She was personable and friendly throughout the evening. I was impressed with how nice she was and how kind she was to take time out of her busy life to be there because of this simple request ( as the envelope was quite extensive and adequate as it was. It was the only time I met her but I always remembered her with very positive feelings.
I was sad to hear that she was to end ber life because of a brain tumor. I extend my condolences to all her family and hope that the end wasn’t too painful.It seems that she left a lot of positive memories for her family.
Best regards,
ESther Howes
Comment by Esther Howes — 6 April 2008 @ 12:16 pm
Rachel and our Mom (Priscilla Garnache Lefebvre Kelley) are cousins. We always called you’re her crazy cousin Rachel! She was always a lot of fun to be with, always laughing and taking time to talk to everyone. The summer BBQ will not be the same without her. She will be missed.
Rachel was a blessing. I pray that her joy will live on in each of us who were lucky enough to know her
Comment by Marcia Wagner — 6 April 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Rachel was such a fun and happy person. I did not get to see her as often as I would have liked. We need more people like her in the world. Her passing is real sorrow.
Comment by Mark Lefebvre — 15 April 2008 @ 9:20 am
Recently I came across a box of cards and letters I had received when I was living overseas in Europe and Asia while serving with the Air Force. Several of these were nearly 20 years old and full of family news and general information about what was happening back in Biddeford. I was not surprised to see that several were from my Aunt Rachel, the family communicator and historian, who contributed too much of my collection personal family history. Whenever I needed a name or a date I called Aunt Rachel. I always looked forward to her letters and cards as did my wife because they were not just filled with news of goings on or dinners with my parents or my brother’s new house, but of love and kindness always. She rarely forgot a birthday since I shared a birth date with my cousin Helene and frequently provided news from my cousin Carl who was also in the Air Force.
I will always treasure a note she sent when she learned I would be living in Paris. Beware of the old European germs she advised before telling me of an awful cold she caught traveling to Paris and Germany to visit Helene and Bernard. That pretty much summed it up. Love, kindness, and advice always. When I traveled home to Maine between military moves or just home on leave it was always a pleasure to see her. She was not just my Aunt but my fellow genealogy enthusiast as well and we spent many hours discussing who was related to whom.
I will be forever grateful that we attended her family reunion last June and that she attended my daughter’s wedding last July with her brother Guy and sisters Micheline and Charlotte. I can’t remember if she danced the Chicken Dance or not but I am almost sure that she did. It’s her spirit and energy that I miss the most.
Thank you for putting this website together. To me it’s a living tribute to her love and kindness and I find myself coming back to this website often. She is surely missed and her spirit is with us all.
I miss you Aunt Rachel.
Comment by Bernard (Ben) Neveux — 16 April 2008 @ 2:22 pm
The last time I saw Rachel at Hill’s Beach at the bar-b-q I noticed she was not her usual self. I was having a bad day so it didn’t register on me. I am sad I did not know it was the last time I would see her. I regret I did not give her a hug and kiss.
Comment by Charles Garnache — 17 April 2008 @ 9:38 am
When Rachel stayed overnight at Hills Beach my father always teased her. My sister and I were skinny kids and Rachel was a normal healthy looking girl but my father used to tell her he would roll her over a barrel so she could be thin like us. When I look at her pictures I don’t see that she needed to be rolled over a barrel. I told my father not to tease her but he told me “If people do not tease you it’s because they don’tlike you.” I guess calling Rachel “Crazy Cousin” was my way of teasing her and letting her know how much I loved her.
“
Comment by Priscilla Garnache Kelley — 4 May 2008 @ 9:02 am
Cousin Rachel’s passing makes me sad. One of my favorite events every year was Cousin Diane’s annual party
at Hills Beach. I made it a point to spend a big chunk of my time with Rachel. She was an absolute joy
to be with. Totally unpretentious, never uttering a bad word about anybody, always jolly. Who is going to step up and fill the void? The world needs more people like Rachel. She will be missed.
Comment by Greg Garnache — 9 May 2008 @ 3:28 pm
My children gave me a pre-birthday party on Saturday. Rachel would have enjoyed visiting with 48 of the relatives that were there because she knew them all. We had such a good time and know that it would have been even better with Rachel there.
Comment by Priscilla Garnache Kelley — 19 May 2008 @ 3:04 pm
I hope Rachel was watching during the beautiful mass. The French hymns were extra special and the homily could not have been better. It made me feel so good to hear someone describe Rahel so well. She was all those things he said and more.
The Mercy lunch was a very nice touch. I know they do it in Protestant churches but this is my first experience at a Catholic church. Hope it is something that will spread far and wide.
I was thrilled to meet all Rachel’s children and finally get them straight in my mind. To meet all her brothers was more fun than I could have ever imagined. What a tribute to a very special person. I had to wait until got back to Massachusetts to write this because I do not have wireless connection in Maine and the dial-up is……as you all know.
Love to you all. It was a great day. Many fond memories.
Comment by Priscilla Garnache Kelley — 12 June 2008 @ 1:51 pm
Dear Guerin Family,
On behalf of everyone at Hospice of Southern Maine, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one, Rachel. Our thoughts continue to be with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Foy
Development Director
[edited by site moderator per site policy]
Comment by Hospice of Southern Maine — 7 August 2008 @ 10:19 am
When I left Maine this year I missed Rachel more than I can say. She was such a help when I emptied the fridge…..she woul take anything I could not take back. Nothing went to waste and that made my leaving easier. I guess I will always miss her.I found the following sentiment in my Hallmark Program and it is so beautiful and fitting. I feel it is never too late to share something so beautiful.
Those we have truly loved we will always love
And that which was deeply felt we will always feel.
Remember, death can take all things save one.
LOVE remains, for love alone is real.
Dear “Crazy Cousin” I miss you! I am still praying for you every night.
[edited by Louise]
Comment by Priscilla Garnache Kelley — 26 October 2008 @ 9:55 pm