Rachel Rita Roy

EAST BERKSHIRE– Rachel R. Roy, age 71, passed away on Monday, June 13, 2022 at the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans.

She was born in St. Albans on July 14^th, 1950, to the late Maurice and Theresa (Belanger) Roy. Rachel was the oldest of three children.

Rachel graduated from Enosburg Falls High School, class of 1968, and attended the former St. Joseph the Provider College in Rutland, graduating with her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. Rachel loved children and spent much of her career teaching, specifically elementary education where she was a teacher at Montgomery Elementary School for 19 years. She also worked for the contractor at the Vermont Service Center in St Albans.  She was working for the town of Berkshire as a lister and was also going to become the auditor. She was a board member of the water district providing water for the Village of East Berkshire. She had a passion and talent for music from singing to playing, whether it was a piano, guitar or banjo. It is also noted that she was self-taught to play. She had a deep connection with her catholic church community and enjoyed countless years of playing and singing at church services and helping in the parish with dinners and events. She will always be remembered for her infectious laugh as she always enjoyed a good joke.

Rachel had a generous heart. She gave to those in need, including care and support for her mother, father, brothers, and Uncle Emile.

Rachel especially enjoyed time spent with family during the holidays. She loved spending Thanksgiving together with her family and the gift swap games and lottery ticket exchanges at Christmas which provided lots of laughter. She loved cooking and was always willing to try out a new recipe or food. She was notable for some of her best dishes such as the lasagna enjoyed by her uncle, and the French-Canadian recipes she made such as meat pies and potato candy which she prepared for Christmas.

She is survived by one brother, Andre Roy and his wife Becky (Lavallee) of Westford, VT, nieces and nephews, Rita (Roy) Mead and her husband Ernest Mead of Georgia, VT, Anais Roy and her fiancé Paul Clapps of St. Albans, VT, Patrick Roy, and Alexander Roy of Westford, VT.  She also leaves behind her Uncle Emile Belanger of Berkshire, VT, Aunt Beverly Belanger of Sutton, VT, Uncle Roland and Aunt Mari-Ange Belanger of CT, and Uncle Raymond Belanger of Florida.  She is also survived by many cousins, as well as many good friends.

Rachel is survived by her beloved dog, Princess who she often referred to as her “child.”

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, George Roy.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Rachel’s Life on Monday, June 20, 2022.  Family and friends are invited to visitation time on Monday, June 20^th from 11:00 A.M.- 12:00 at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls, VT 05450 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00PM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2902 VT Route 105, East Berkshire, VT 05447. Interment to follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Stone House Road, Enosburg.

Rachel was a Breast Cancer Survivor and gave the gift of life as an organ donor. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rachel’s memory may be made to UVM Medical Center, Breast Care Center, 111 Colchester Ave. Burlington, VT 05450 or to the Enosburg Rescue, P.O. Box 465, Enosburg Falls, VT 05450 both organizations near and dear to her heart.

Arrangements are made by Goss Life Celebration Homes, the area’s exclusive provider of Life Celebration events. Please visit our website to share condolences, photos and favorite memories at www.gossfs.com