Rachel "Rae" Foss West

Portland--Rachel “Rae” Foss West passed away Friday Feb.18, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Manor. She was born in Franklin, ME August 24, 1910 the daughter of Maurice Colby Foss and Sarah (Seward) Foss. Rachel received her education at the schools of Monson, North Anson and Oakland, ME. She graduated from Bangor High School, and attended Gorham Normal School.

She was a member of the Eunice Frye Board of managers, honorary member of Women’s Auxiliary to the Salvation Army, Honorary member of Women’s Woodfords Club, member of Portland Ladies of Kiwanis, Women’s Portland Club and Women’s Literary Union. She was also a member of the Woodfords Congregational Church, and the Maine Historical Society. Rachel was a lifelong volunteer having volunteered at the Day Care Center at Chestnut Street Methodist Church during WWII. With a partner and a friend she did luncheons at Woman’s Woodfords Club, Woman’s Literary Union and Golden Age Group at Woodfords Church. She was a Brownie Troop leader in Biddeford and Portland, leader of Girl Scout Troop in Portland for 8 years. Rachel had knitted several hundred pairs of slippers for school children at Riverton School, knit bonnets and socks for neo-natal unit at Maine Medical Center. At age 90 wrote her life story; “These Things I Remember” She always answered a call for help in family or friends, new baby, illness or if a cook or housekeeper was needed- She didn’t have time for a paid job!!. Her hobbies included cooking, reading, and contract bridge and Knitting

She was predeceased by her husband Fred M. West in 1988. Two sisters, Mabel Oakes of Veazie, ME and Elizabeth Spurr of Eliot, Maine

Surviving is her daughter Jean West Meserve of Portland, a grandson John Arthur Meserve and his wife Carolyn of Naples, ME., three sisters, Marice Foss Barzal of Eliot ME, Jean Foss Katsonis of Kittery, Me and Plant city, FL and Fannie Ellen Davenport of Riverside, CA. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to neighbors Tom and Mary Ann and while at home caregivers Lisa, Carolyn, Lana, Gayla and Coleen, VNA Cheryl and David, also Charlotte Hurley from Woodfords Church- a very caring friend visited with Rae for many years. The family wishes to extend special thanks and appreciation to staff at Saint Joseph’s Manor for the compassionate care given to “Rae”, Unit C you are the very best.

A graveside service will be held at Moss Side Cemetery, Cumberland Center Maine in the springtime.

For those who desire, memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Portland Public Library Riverton Branch, 1600 Forest Ave, Portland ME 04103 or St. Joseph’s Manor Activity Fund, 1133 Washington Ave. Portland, ME 04102 .

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with Rae’s family.

Arrangements under the direction of Jones-Rich-Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland, ME.