Rachel Blais

Rachel Yvette (Bernier) Blais, 74, of Vernon, beloved wife of over 54 years of Roger P. Blais, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Rachel was born on May 29, 1948, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, one of three loving children of the late Laurent J. and Therese (Hubert) Bernier. She was raised in New Bedford and was a graduate of St. Anthony High School. She continued her education at the Career Academy in New York, where she earned certification to become a Medical Assistant.

Most of Rachel’s life she raised her children, cared for her husband, and helped raise her grandchildren. Rachel loved holidays and celebrations, often with costumes or silly antics. She was loving, caring, and always willing to help someone in need. Prior to raising her family, Rachel had been employed at Union Hospital in New Bedford as well as working for Dr. Krall’s allergist office in Hartford. In addition, she was formerly employed at Windham Hospital, assisting with medical procedures, and administering EKGs. She also was a part time sales associate for the World Book Encyclopedia.

Rachel was a longtime Communicant and active member of Blessed Sacrament Parish/ St. Bernard Church in Rockville. She was a past President of the St. Bernard’s Women’s Guild, a CCD teacher, and was an instrumental leader of the “Attic Treasures Tent” for many years at the annual St. Bernard’s Summerfest Festival.

In addition to her husband Roger, she leaves her two children, Michelle B. Carpenter and her husband Aron N. Carpenter of Hope, RI, and Scott M. Blais of Coventry, CT, her three loved and cherished grandchildren: Valerie S. Blais, Corey B. Carpenter and Stephanie R. Blais, and the beloved mother of her two granddaughters, Kimberly A. Blais of Willington, CT. Rachel leaves her two siblings: Jacqueline L. Desrosiers of Las Vegas, NV, and Donald L. Bernier and his wife Sharon M. Bernier of Bonham, TX and several nieces, nephews, and their families. Included in her family is her son's significant other, Rebecca Rossick, and her children Savannah and Braeden Rossick. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother-in-law William E. Desrosiers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, MA, 02745 on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Bedford. There will be a brief viewing at Rock Funeral Home located at 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA from 9-10:30 am prior to the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cornerstone Foundation Inc., 15 Prospect St., PO Box 3, Vernon, CT 06066 or to the National Kidney Foundation, 3000 Whitney Ave., #121 Hamden, CT 06518. To leave a condolence, please visit www.rock-funeralhome.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rock-funeralhome.com for the Blais family.