Rachel’s Obituary Rachel Frances Rice Deans of South Portland passed away peacefully at her home on 12/17/2018. She was born November 12, 1920 in Waterford, Maine, the daughter of George H. and Helen Hamlin Rice. Rachel graduated from Bridgton Academy in 1939 and Maine General Hospital School of Nursing in 1943.
On December 25, 1944, Rachel married Edwin L. Deans USN in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Rachel was a member of the Waterford Congregational Church and attended First United Methodist Church in South Portland, a life member of the Waterford Historical Society, member of the Eastern Star since 1952, and secretary of the Maine General Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association for over twenty-five years. She was Vice President of the Highland Memorial Cemetery Association and was an Honorary member of the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.
She was selected as a representative of South Portland on the “Cop Card” with Chief Ed Googins and in 2017, was inducted into the Bridgton Academy Hall of Fame. Rachel worked at the Maine General Hospital, did private duty at Maine Medical Center, and served as Night Supervisor at Mercy Hospital until retiring in 1985. Throughout her life she was a great supporter of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She had leadership roles in all her children’s school activities and was an enthusiastic supporter of her grandchildren’s endeavors. Rachel is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Edwin L. Deans, USN, siblings Charles H., Albert H., Richard F., and Ella E. Rice. She leaves behind her children and their spouses: George L./DJ (Sullivan), Richard C./Joan (Hebron) John E./Elizabeth “Sis” (Gorham), Miriam D./Christopher Collins (South Portland), and Leah D./ Gary Davis (Cumberland); grandchildren: Richard, Julie, George Thomas II, John Hamlin/Liia, Jessica/Chris, Rachel/Ellen, Emma/Kyle, Maryella/Dana, Caleb/Sarah, Amanda/James, Deanna, Matthew, and Ludmila; as well as great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her great joy.
Special Friends: Gregory/Patricia Bohnsack, Bruce/Ruth Lindner, Roland/Mary Morin and their families. In Lieu of flowers, it was Rachels wish to have funds designated for perpetual care of the military flag display at the highland Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Donations may be written to Highland Memorial Cemetery and mailed to Diane McFadden, 18 Augusta St..
South Portland. Maine, 04106. Visiting hours will be held 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thursday, December 20, 2018 at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland.
A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 am on Friday, December 21, 2018 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Highland Memorial Gardens in the spring.
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