Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Rachel Massimin Obituary

MASSIMIN Rachel L. Massimin of Monroe passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Thursday, May 24th, with her loving children and son-in law at her side. Born and raised in New Haven, Rachel was predeceased by her parents Cosmo and Jennie Lombardi. She was the widow of the late Arthur J. Massimin, her beloved husband, and had resided in Monroe for over 50 years. After working briefly in the local school system, she transformed her lifelong passion for books and reading into a long and successful career in the Monroe Public Library where she worked primarily in the adult services section. Following her retirement, she continued her work as a librarian by encouraging literacy among young readers at both St. Teresa's School in Trumbull and St. Andrew's in Bridgeport. In her later years, she enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, and spending time with her family. Left to cherish her memory are her devoted and treasured children, daughter Janet (Jann) Ferguson and her husband Robert of Oxford, and son Brian Massimin of Southbury. She also leaves behind a sister, Grace Mangiero of Hamden, brother-in -law Robert Massimin of Hamden, sister-in-law Helen Lombardi of North Haven, and many nieces and nephews along with special great niece Jacey Bissell. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Michael Lombardi and brothers-in-law Thomas Massimin and Alphonse Mangiero. Her family wishes to express its gratitude to the many friends who showed their concern through their calls, cards, and visits during Rachel's illness. A very special thank you goes out to the staff at River Glen Health Care Center in Southbury for their care, empathy, and support. In lieu of flowers, those wishing can make donations to the charity of their choice. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 2nd, at the Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home 315 Monroe Turnpike Monroe. Friends may call on the family from 10:00-11:00 at the funeral home. Services will begin promptly at 11:00. Internment at Monroe Center Cemetery will be private. Online condolences may be made by visitingwww.spadaccinofuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Connecticut Post on May 31, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Rachel Massimin

Not sure what to say?





CeeCee

June 23, 2012

She was a very special lady! Rachel was like no other....a best friend, a smart person...one in a million. I will miss her more than words can say. You will be kept alive in our hearts forever. Unforgetable that's what you are! xxoo

The Best of Times

Sherry Jacoby

June 2, 2012

We are so sorry we can't be there to celebrate the life of our beloved Miss Rachel today but please know that we carry the fondest of memories in our hearts. Rachel was more than a friend-she was an integral part of the extensive Montville family and will truly be missed at family gatherings.

Frank Mangiero

June 1, 2012

Aunt Raye was so special to me. Out of all of my relatives she was always the best "put together". She was always smiling and knew the right things to say. She always wore the nicest clothes. She always had a very unique sense of humor. There was always laughter around Raye at family gatherings. She sent my mother cards and newspaper clippings of comics that were always hilarious. My fondest memories of her will always be at Blueberry Hill Lane in "God's Country" with her husband Art carving the turkey with his electric knife at Thanksgiving. She was always the greatest hostess and Art, of course, was a great host. The grass was always greener over the septic tank. I will miss you Aunt Raye.

June 1, 2012

So many happy memories of working with Rae at the Town Hall. She was extra special. Ann Wallis, Monroe, CT

Karen Burnaska

June 1, 2012

Jann, Bob and family,
Please accept my sincerest sympathy on the passing of your mother. I will always have fond memories of her.

G Chanel

June 1, 2012

My mother was a lifelong friend of hers and always spoke of her with the greatest fondness; On behalf of my mother,all my very deepest sympathies.

June 1, 2012

Oh, my dear Rae- You were so lovely. It was my pleasure to know and love you. You will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers to Jann and Bob and Brian. A sad time for all who knew you. Much love, Peggie O'Neill

Samuel Rotini Jr.

May 31, 2012

As an alumnus of St. Theresa School, I had the honor of being read to by her, along with my classmates, every week from grades K-3. Mrs. Massimin was truly a kind, gentle, and loving woman. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

May 31, 2012

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. She will always be my favorite librarian. She was a great lady and will be dearly missed.
Sue Fowler, Monroe, CT

Susan Fowler

May 31, 2012

My deepest condolences to you and your family. I met Rachel when I first came to Monroe and we immediately shared our love of books. She always advised me on what to read. She was a great lady and will be dearly missed.

May 31, 2012

As a young boy growing up in Monroe I had the pleasure of knowing Mrs Massimin both as the friendly librarian, as well as one of my 'second moms'. I will always have fond memories of her ready smile, welcoming arms and infectious laugh. My thoughts are with you Brian and Jann.
Rich Fellone

Nancy & Paul Fellone

May 31, 2012

Jan,

So sorry to hear about your Mom. Nancy and I send our sincere condolences.

Michelle Fitz

May 31, 2012

Rachel was a TRUE LADY. She led many of us to read 'the Best Books ever' Her smile lit up the Monroe Library for many years.I am thinking of the past with a smile

Kathy Bonetti

May 31, 2012

Dear Jan, Bob and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We will be thinking of you during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Dr. Donald Fulton, Kathy and Ann.

The Staff of Spadaccino Funeral Home

May 31, 2012

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

May 30, 2012

Be still, be quiet and know that I am at peace...
Peace and blessings to Jann and her family and I am with you in spirit.
Veronika Gaia (Lyons, CO)

Virginia Bissell

May 27, 2012

I'll miss Rachel's lovely cards and notes. She was a wonderful, thoughful woman. Offering my condolences to her children and family -

Virginia Bissell

Helen Lombardi

May 27, 2012

I'll never forget all the laughs and good times around the Thanksgiving table on Blueberry Hill Rd. It's like it was yesterday! Our visit with Rachel last Saturday meant so much to all of us. Sending my best wishes to Jann and Brian...
Love,
Aunt Helen

Michele Bissell

May 27, 2012

The world has lost a very special lady - Our beautiful, funny, sweet Aunt Rachel. Your fierce love and devotion for your family will live on forever. You made each of us feel like a Superstar! Rest now, as your work here is done. Your smile, warmth and grace will be in our hearts always.

Love,
Michele, Ray, and Jacey Bissell

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in Rachel Massimin's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Rachel Massimin

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home- Monroe

315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468

How to support Rachel's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Rachel Massimin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more