We hold dear so many wonderful memories throughout the many years Aunt Raelea touched our lives. We will miss her terribly, and we celebrate her life.

On behalf of the Sacher family, I want to send our condolences on Raelea's passing. But what a rich and long life you were blessed with.

We have quite fond memories (and old photos to prove it), of that old West Harford gang of close friends, who annually assembled every New Year's Eve in outrageous and creative costumes. Even as young children, we'd stay up well past our bedtimes to see familiar faces in strange and exotic garb.

We also nostalgically recall wonderful summers at Standard Beach. The "Bobrow Cottage" was a first and favorite of Raylea's and mine (Jody wasn't born yet) -- what a magical time!

We trust you have these and many more events and recollections that will keep Raelea's spirit and rich life alive in your hearts forever.

Sincerely
Marc Sacher

My dear Raelea,

You were one of a kind. Your entire being was based on love: giving,teaching, mentoring,comforting,embracing and savoring all that is good in life. There was no stranger in your world. You met all with kindness,grace and dignity. Your family was your greatest treasure, but so to were your devoted friends who for 97 years sought you out to bask in your amazing company.

You made very clear that the core of your being was to be independent and fully engaged. Your mind was clear, your plan was brilliant. Your entire family gathered. They are thriving and all bear your precious mark. When your earthly body could no longer keep up the pace, you were ready to "go with the flow" and join your beloved Hersh.

We will miss you terribly. We have the gift of your bright light shining within us,giving us wise counsel. Thank you, dear friend. One more thing. If you have a free moment and can get permission, could you let us know what it's like up there?

Raelea always had a smile and an interest in what you were doing. She reached out to me and jim in many ways. My sincere condolences to jill and donna and nancy and all of your extended family. Her presence is a great loss to us all

Nancy, Donna & Jill....
I just recently heard about your Mom's passing and I wanted to send my condolences. What a lovely lady your Mom was and my parents, Edna & Al Freedman, always had such wonderful times with both your parents, either in West Hartford or at the shore.
My thoughts are with you and your families.

Dear Donna, Nancy, Jill & families.

I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. I have so many childhood memories of your Mom & Dad and all of you.

Please accept my condolences. Karen Goodspeed

I am so sorry to learn of Raelea's passing. Of course I will always think of her as Jill's Mom-- tall and active and ready to play tennis in her whites. She was always so positive and was blessed with wonderful children who are all special. With love and sorrow, Jeff

Dear Nancy, Donna, and Jill,

We were very sorry to hear about Aunt Raelea and send our love and condolences. She was always so kind and caring and was a huge influence, not only on my life, but on the lives of my girls as well. They have fond memories of visiting her every summer at the beach. She taught me a lot growing up - about caring for others, about integrity, and about love. I could never get enough of being in her presence. She never had a bad word to say about anyone and was always ready to lend a hand. She was a treasure, and we love her very much. She will always be alive in our memory.

Nancy, Donna, Jill and family- Raelea was a friendly, caring, intelligent woman with an elegant presence. Seeing her at Stannard Beach through the years was always a pleasure. She will be missed. With sympathy and fond memories- John, Charlie, Sarah Stannard

Raelea and I shared many midnight hours at Stannard Beach, loving every moment
reminiscing, comparing, predicting etc. We were so compatible, and looked forward to the time we spent together. I think of her and her spirit often and can't imagine the world without her in it.
Every one of her family members were so devoted and inclusive. I know you will be comforted knowing you were the best.

Raelea's memory will be painted with beautiful colors that will never fade.

Jill, Donna, and nancy ,

I am thinking of y'all . Your mom was a wonderful woman to so many people. I am sorry for your loss.

Our deepest sympathy and warm regards to the family.

From the first day I met Raelea, in the summer of 1969, she has held a special place in my heart. Whether I visited with her with Jill, or Donna, or just on my own with my family, she always provided a beacon of positive energy, ( and chocolate).
She lived a wonderful life, and has left the world with so many representatives of her goodness, in her children, grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
We were all better for having spent time with her. She will be missed. And will always be loved.

We were sad to hear of Raelea's passing but know that she left a
legacy of a beautiful family. We have fond memories of her from the "good old days" at Stannard Beach and have had the pleasure of her company in recent years. We always admired Raelea's "spunk and spirit". Hopefully memories of better days will help you during this difficult time.

All the times at Stannard Beach (and throughout my life) are too numerous to count. We've lost a great lady who will be sorely missed.

We are so sorry for your loss

Raelea was a formidable and beautiful woman--a woman of great strength and vitality who was a role model for so many of us, whose essence I see in her daughters, more specifically in my friend Jill, simply because I have known her for over 25 years. I am sure, however, that this essence is in all three daughters, and their offspring. Sabrina, of course, feels like a godchild, and I know I'm not alone in claiming her as such.

I admired Raelea's style, her smile, the "knowing" look in her eyes, the way she didn't suffer fools gladly (though she exhibited great tolerance--and always, grace.)

May all experience peace in this time of great sorrow.

In respect and love,

Janet Hubbard

Dear Nancy, so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. I fondly remember how wonderful she was to Betsy and Madeline on the plane trip when Madeline was a baby. My heartfelt condolences to your entire family. With love, Jan

We feel a great sadness to think that such a bright and positive life has left this world. Raelea had such a beautiful spirit and a kind and generous heart. For those of us who were fortunate to have known her, we also were very fortunate to have experienced the "gift" of friendship she so abundantly shared. With her devotion to her family and friends, her joy in their happiness and success, her compassionate embrace whenever needed, her zest for life no matter what challenges she faced, made each of us strive to be the best person that we could be ...a person to be admired....a person like Raelea.
How is it that Raelea could live until the age of 97, and we can still feel that she has left us too soon?
Thank you, Raelea, for your friendship, for the memories and for the amazing legacy of love you leave in our hearts.

Love, Mary and Michael

Years of memories - beach time/city time. As always Raelea is in my storehouse of memories. Condolences Nancy, Donna, Jill to your family from mine.
Remembering "when"...
Sydelle Baskind

Dear Nancy, Donna, and Jill, and families,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of "Aunt Raelea." I have so many years of warm memories of her, and of Uncle Hersh. It's so hard to end a generation; but we will keep the memories of their warmth and giving and openness as an inspiration for living. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love, Andi

I always enjoyed spending time with Raelea. She always wanted me to eat something she had before she had me prune her roses or shrubbery. I will miss her humor and hearing about all the art work she had on display.

What a lovely lady - may fond memories ease your pain and time heal
your sorrow...

Raelea was a big part of my childhood at Stannard Beach. She just always seemed to "be there," like many of the other parents in the nearby cottages. I remember her offering me candy or popsicles on occasion, and providing a much-needed band-aid when my parents were out. Mostly, I remember our conversations: she always had something to say — invariably, positive — and her pride and joy for her children and grandchildren were a beautiful thing to behold. How I admired her posture, even into her 90s, and her independence. She was an outstanding member of that generation and I'll miss her. My thoughts go out to her children and grandchildren.

While we never met Raelea I can only imagine the amazing woman you were having met your wonderful family. They are special people and real gifts in our lives. We wish you peace, joy and will remember you in our prayers on January 8th. Much love to you and to your entire family.

The Freers

Raelea: We miss you terribly already, but know that you are at peace having finally decided it was time to go see Hersh. We will miss your strawberry rhubarb pie and your peach pie and your brownies and your sparkling eyes whenever we were able to bring you chocolate. And we will miss your insight and passion about life because you could always see the sunshine even if it was cloudy at Stannard Beach.
Love forever
George & Carmela