Rachael Helen (Jones) Osborne

Rachael Helen Jones Osborne, 104,  Merrimack, NH passed away  June 14, 2021 at Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH after a long and busy life.  Rachael was born August 1, 1916, to Bertha(Stearns) and Byron Jones.

She’ll be remembered for her warm smile, quick wit and eagerness to help. She enjoyed playing the piano and singing. Rachael loved to entertain and was an excellent cook. Many will remember her delicious lasagnas and wonderful sticky buns which she made for family holiday gatherings.

While in high school, Rachael worked summers as a member of a dance troupe at hotels on Lake Sunapee. She was told not to speak to guests as the dancers were advertised as New Yorkers and her New England accent would prove otherwise.  She graduated from Sunapee Central School and went to work for the Woodbine Cottage as their first hostess.   She married Raymond(Pete) Osborne in September,1934, in a double  wedding with Percy and Sadie Osborne on Lake Sunapee.

Together, Rachael and Pete worked for many years in the Osborne family business- Osborne Marine and Garage in Sunapee, NH. Rachael was responsible for boat and canoe rentals and bookkeeping. She was also a member of the Sunapee Methodist Church and an active member of UMW.

After retiring, Rach and Pete moved to Riviera Beach, Florida where they enjoyed their home on the Intracoastal Waterway and view of Singer Island. They welcomed guests to their little bit of heaven on earth and were happy to share the view.

After Pete’s death, Rachael moved north to Merrimack, NH to be closer to family. She was an active card maker and enjoyed remembering special occasions with her hand made creations.  She was also part of a group known for wearing fancy hats and  jewelry when dining out.

Rachael was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother, Russell Jones, his wife, Dot, and sister  Beverly Cutts and her husband Stanley.  She is survived by a son, Wayne Osborne, his wife, Donna, her son Lee Palmer, and  nieces, Terry Osborne, Dale Osborne, Diane (Jones) Cotter,  Candy Cutts and  Cindy (Cutts) Putnam.  Also, a grandnephew and several grandnieces.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home. A graveside service at Eastman Cemetery, Sunapee, will be held at 10:30 a.m., July 10,2021, for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rachael’s name to the Sunapee Historical Society or Sunapee United Methodist Church.

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