PERU — Rachel E. Lovejoy, 90, passed away unexpectedly at her home Tuesday, Jan. 9. She was born Nov. 21, 1927, a daughter of William B. and Shirley (Gill) Austin. A lifelong resident of West Peru, she lived most of her life in sight of the home where she was born and raised.

A graduate of Stephens High School, Rachel worked for a variety of employers, including Stowell MacGregor, Diamond International and Kidder’s Store, but was most proud of having served as one of the oldest employees of Hannaford Brothers. She was in her 80s upon retirement.

She loved many outdoor activities, including picking mayflowers (her favorites), hiking and picking wild blueberries on Speckled Mountain, as well as trips to the Maine coast and the New Hampshire mountains. She took her last ride on the back of a motorcycle at age 88, only regretting that the ride was not long enough. She was a tireless swimmer for much of her life, and could actually fall asleep floating in the water.

She was married to Joseph A. Lovejoy Sr. for nearly 48 years. He passed away in 1993. For the past 17 years, she and her companion, Leo Melanson, kept each other young at heart.

Rachel is survived by her children: Joseph Jr. and wife, Patricia; Judy Lovejoy; and Joanne Lapointe and husband, Yvan; grandchildren: Lori Gallant and husband, Chris; Lisa Koris and husband, Nick; Erika Geisler and husband, Chad; Kyle Lovejoy; and Shawn Lapointe and wife, Kerri; honorary granddaughter, Kristi Holmquist; great-grandchildren: Morgan Gallant, Marija and Julia Koris and Avery and Logan Geisler; and honorary great-grandchildren, Brooke and Jordan Holmquist; and a brother, Richard Austin.

She was devoted to all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and never missed an opportunity to spoil them.

She was predeceased by her parents; a grandson, Jason Lovejoy; and her siblings William H. Austin, Verlie Child and Ruth Cornish.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences or fond memories with the Lovejoy family by visiting Rachel’s guestbook at www.sgthibaultfuneralhome.com.

Rachel E. Lovejoy