Rae Margaret Harmon Pelletier

Rae Margaret Harmon Pelletier passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, in Greenwich, Connecticut, surrounded by family at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Dan Pelletier and Dita Bhargava. Born on December 5, 1939, in Caribou, Maine, Rae lived a life filled with music, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and students.

Rae pursued her passion for music at Boston University, earning a Bachelor of Music Education degree and a Master of Education at the College of New Rochelle. Her love for the arts became the foundation of a lifelong career as an inspiring and passionate teacher. She was the choral director and chairperson of the music department of Ramapo High School, Spring Valley, New York. Rae's dedication to her students extended far beyond the classroom-she arranged transformative experiences that left lasting impressions on countless young lives. In the 1980s, she led her choir students on a remarkable journey to perform in Belarus to raise awareness for children who were victims of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster. She also organized a memorable trip for her students to sing at the White House, where she and her students had the honor of meeting First Lady Hillary Clinton.

Rae was known for her nurturing spirit and selfless nature throughout her life. She offered warmth and comfort during joyful celebrations and difficult times, always greeting others with a smile that conveyed genuine care. Her greatest joy came from doing things for others, whether through teaching, acts of kindness, or simply listening to every detail of her loved ones' lives with heartfelt interest.

Rae was a devoted mother to her sons, Ernest Joseph Pelletier III and Daniel Phillip Pelletier. She welcomed their wives, Lisa Pelletier and Dita Bhargava, into her heart as daughters. Her grandchildren- Alexander (Alec) Daniel Pelletier, Danielle Rae Pelletier, Arya Devi Pelletier, and Kalyan Bhargava Pelletier-were the light of her life. She cherished every moment spent with them and found deep fulfillment in watching them grow. She greatly influenced and encouraged her children and grandchildren's interest in the arts, hockey, and horseback riding, among other aspirations. She never missed the opportunity to attend Arya and Kalyan's musical performances.

Rae held close the memory of her parents, Calvin Thomas Harmon and Doris Bennett Harmon, sister Mary Harmon Dyke, and former husband, Ernest J. Pelletier II, and mourned the loss of her beloved grandson, Alec.

Outside of teaching and family life, Rae found joy in singing in the church choir and playing piano-expressions of the musical soul that defined so much of who she was. She delighted in creating family photo albums that preserved treasured memories across generations. Rae cherished Sunday afternoons with her granddaughter Arya, preparing afternoon tea parties with her grandmother's China tea set. A loyal New York Rangers fan, she rarely missed a game, especially with her god-grandson Casey Puga. Above all, Rae treasured time with her grandchildren, sharing stories, laughter, and love.

Rae's legacy is one of generosity, grace, and enduring affection. She lived vicariously through those she loved most-her children and grandchildren-and took immense pride in their accomplishments and happiness.

May Rae Margaret Pelletier's memory bring comfort to all touched by her kindness and inspired by her unwavering devotion to others. A Memorial Service will be held on May 29, 2025, at Second Congregational Church, 139 East Putnam Avenue, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

In Rae's memory, we ask people to donate to Liberation Programs instead of flowers. You can make a dedication at https://tinyurl.com/34yvypzn. Learn more about the organization at https://www.liberationprograms.org/.