Janet E. Raehm

Mrs. Janet E. Raehm, 88, a resident of the Masonic Care Community in Utica and formerly of North Utica, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Wynn Hospital, with her loving family by her side.

Janet was born in Utica on February 17, 1937, the daughter of James and Gladys (Baker) Hamlin. She was raised in Utica and was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School. At one time, Janet was married to John T. Wrape, and together they were blessed with five beloved children. In December of 1978, she married Charles "Chuck" P. Raehm at St. Mark's Church in North Utica. Their marriage was a loving and devoted union that spanned 40 years, until Chuck's passing in 2018. Janet began her working career at P.J. Green Advertising in Utica and later served for many years as office manager at Almy & Associates Consulting Engineers in Utica, retiring in 1987. A devout Catholic, Janet was a longtime and faithful parishioner, as well as a religious education teacher at St. Mark's Church in North Utica. Each year, she generously volunteered her time and talent to create beautiful decorations, lovingly adorning the church for Christmas. Along with Chuck, Janet was instrumental in advocating for the establishment of a weekly Holy Hour for the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the Hour of Mercy. She was also a member of the weekly Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, weekly women's Rosary group and monthly Nocturnal Adoration. Janet and Chuck greatly enjoyed following Syracuse University basketball and cherished their annual trips to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Rocky Point in the Adirondacks. In her free time, Janet loved crafts and was especially gifted in floral design-a creative talent that brought joy to many. Her greatest joy in life was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life. Janet was the heart of her family, delighting in hosting holiday gatherings and taking great pride in decorating her home each Christmas. Her strong work ethic and remarkable attention to detail were second to none, qualities she proudly passed on to her children.

Mrs. Raehm is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Christine and Ralph Graziano of Utica and Tracy and Frank Curran of Selkirk, NY; her sons and daughters-in-law, Greg and Nancy Wrate of New Hartford, Kevin and Tracy Wrate of Siesta Key, FL, and Karen Wrate of New Hartford; her stepson, Brian P. and Michelle Raehm of Hilton Head, SC; her cherished grandchildren, Daniel Wrate, Amanda Wrate, Jessica (Jake) Yonker, Kayla Wrate, Kimberly Wrate, Jared (Jerrica) Wrate, Chelsea Wrate, Alexis Wrate, Jakob Wrate, Todd (Megan) Graziano, Jennifer (Cesar) Medina, Alicia (Joseph) Adalian and Ashley (Scott) Usmail; her adored great grandchildren, Jovanni, Alexandria, Mia, Amelia, Hudson, Maxen, Hannah, Jordan and Brooklyn; her cherished step-grandchildren, Christopher Raehm and his fiancée, Lori, Brian (Lisa) Raehm, Summer Raehm, Brandon Raehm, Mackenzie (Nick) LaLuv and Tina (Michael) D'Antonio; her adored step great grandchildren, Geoffrey, Hunter, Andrew, Jacob, Zoey, Niko, Tyler Haley, Nova and Madden; her sisters and brother-in-law, Joan Hodel of Portland, OR and Kathy and Ardie Dandino of Virginia; her brother and sisters-in-law, John and Donna Hamlin of Clinton and Joanne Hamlin of New Hartford; two dear friends, Bonnie Carvelli and Geri Strolka and a dear family friend, April Reid as well as many additional friends to numerous to mention. In addition to her beloved husband Chuck and her parents, James and Gladys Hamlin, Janet was predeceased by her son, Dennis Wrate; her stepson, Charles W. Raehm; two step grandsons, Matthew Raehm and Sean Reilly; her brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Joan Hamlin, Joseph Hamlin, Margaret Donohue and Doris Darowish and a dear family friend, Sharon Buczek.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Janet's Funeral Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Mark's Church, 440 Keyes Road, North Utica. She will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Chuck in the Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Yorkville. Calling hours for family and friends will be held Thursday, February 5th from 10:00 –11:00 am at St. Mark's Church prior to the funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Janet's memory may be made to Alzheimer's Disease Research, c/o Bright Focus Foundation, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871 (www.donate.brightfocus.org Envelopes will be available at church.

Mrs. Raehm's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Wynn Hospital, especially nurse Joshua as well as Jay Snow, Tina Ayuso and Bambi Pugliese at the Masonic Care Community for the loving care and compassion you provided to Janet and her entire family.

Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., North Utica.