Rachelle Rita Cronkhite

Rachelle Rita Cronkhite, 84, of Lewiston, Maine, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Andwell Hospice at CMMC, with family present. Born June 7, 1941, in Auburn, Maine, she was the daughter of Joseph Leopold Poulin and Marie-Ange (Thibodeau) Poulin. After this introduction, Rachelle will be remembered as a devoted, dedicated, and caring presence to all who knew her.

Rachelle was educated in the Lewiston School System and graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing, Class of 1962. She spent most of her career as an RN home health nurse, known for her willingness to go to anyone’s house—so long as the snakes and rats were put away.

On June 27, 1964, Rachelle married Richard Charles Cronkhite at St. Mary’s Church in Lewiston, Maine. Together they enjoyed spending time with family and taking “Mystery trips” with their grandchildren whenever she was not working. She also treasured getting together with members of her nursing class for lunches and holidays. At home, she loved watching TV and reading books.

Rachelle is survived by her children: Caroline Mezoian and her husband Michael of Saco, Maine; Anne Marie Byrne and her husband Thomas of Auburn, Maine; and Scott Cronkhite and his wife Amy of Lewiston, Maine. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jordan Wielgoszinski and her husband Zackary of Old Orchard Beach, Maine; Taylor Mezoian and her husband Chad of Old Orchard Beach, Maine; Marley Byrne and her husband Mathew McDevitt of Media, Pennsylvania; Emma Byrne and Michael Salazar of Chicago, Illinois; Ashley Cronkhite and her fiancé Ryan Tillinghast of Middletown, Connecticut; and Gavin Cronkhite of Lewiston, Maine. She is further survived by three great-grandchildren: Everly, Graham, and Chandler.

Rachelle is also survived by her siblings: Diane Grandmaison and her husband Richard of Lewiston, Maine; Richard Poulin and his wife Elizabeth “Betty” of Banning, California; and Jeannie Laplante and her husband Louie of Lewiston, Maine.

She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Cronkhite, in April 2023; her sister, Claudette A. Erlandson, in June 2021; and her parents, Joseph Leopold Poulin and Marie-Ange Poulin.

A service will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The Fortin & Pinette Group Funeral Home, 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway Lewiston, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in honor of Rachelle Cronkhite.