BIDDEFORD – Jeanne Rachel (Petrin) Smith, lovingly known by her family as Rachel of Biddeford, passed away peacefully at the Gorham House on Sept. 13, 2023. She was born Nov. 27, 1929, the daughter of Joseph and Anna Marie (Lavallee) Petrin.

She married Carroll L. Smith, then a sergeant in the Air Force, on Oct. 19, 1954. Together, they raised two children, Richard Hugh and Anna Marie.

Rachel chose a career in banking, and for many years, she volunteered her time as the record keeper for St. Joseph’s Church.

Not many realized how beautiful Rachel’s singing voice was; she always sang in choirs, frequently as a soloist, and was an active member of the Tri-City Choir. She shared this gift by singing at many funerals for parishioners who passed within her parish.

Upon retirement, Rachel was very involved with Biddeford’s Fifty Plus Club, especially enjoying a game of Mahjong.

She enrolled in many courses through the York County Senior College, enjoying book clubs, Tai Chi, and lighthouse tours.

Rachel will be fondly remembered as a sharp dresser, prolific shopper, and consummate collector.

She is lovingly survived by her sister, Dorothy (Susie) Osher; her son, Richard and his wife Carrie-Ann, her daughter, Anna Marie (Smith) Nagy and her husband Roger; four grandchildren, Robin and Chelsea Smith, Michael and Kathryn Nagy; two great-grandchildren, Noah Smith and Henry (Smith) Sandzik; and her dear friend, Kathleen Porter.

She was predeceased by her husband; her sister, Ruth (Petrin) Valiere; and her grandson, Jordan Carroll Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 178 Elm St., followed by a private internment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. The family will be celebrating Rachel’s life at a later date.

Rachel’s family would like to thank Hospice of Southern Maine and the Gorham House for the excellent care shown to their mom during her final days.

Hope Memorial Chapel is respectfully handling Mrs. Smith’s arrangements.

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