Obituary of Rachel Perry

Rachel M. (Christian) Perry passed away after a long battle with cancer at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center on Friday night, May 14, 2010. She was 69 years old. Rachel was born and raised in Baldwyn, Mississippi. She met her husband, Ray, on a blind date, while he was serving in the U.S. Marines, stationed in Tennessee. They were married in June of 1963 and started their family in Mississippi. Eventually they settled in Ray’s hometown of Burlington, MA, where she had 4 children and 5 grandchildren whom she adored. Rachel was immersed in her family’s lives and activities. She was always on the sidelines or in the stands cheering for her children and grandchildren as they played hockey, baseball, football, softball and lacrosse. She celebrated their successes and consoled them in their defeats. Her backyard and pool were often the location for family and friends gatherings, it was there that the family gathered and celebrated Mother’s Day. Rachel had worked for 17 years as an EKG Technician at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington. She retired 6 years ago and used those years to be with her husband, children, and family. She was an active member of the Fellowship Bible Church in Burlington. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, going to Bingo and socializing with her friends and was a huge Boston sports fan, especially the Bruins. She made frequent trips home to Baldwyn to visit her family and childhood friends. Spending time at the beach was a cherished pastime she enjoyed with her sister. Rachel was the beloved wife of 47 years of Raymond W. Perry. She was the loving mother of Karen Danehy & her husband Tom of Billerica, Brad Perry & his wife Lorraine of Palermo, ME, Scott Perry & his wife Allison of Lynn, and Patti Gibbs & her husband Derek of Bradford. She was the daughter of Irene Christian of Baldwyn, MS and the late Turner Christian. She was the sister of Rebecca “Becky” Roberts of Baldwyn, MS and sister-in-law of Robert & Susan Perry of Burlington. She was the devoted grandmother of Kyle & Nichole Danehy, Ava & Zackary Perry, and Hayley Blowers. She was a special aunt of Christi Collins & her husband Joe, Robin Phillips & her husband Steve, and Lee Roberts, Jr. & his wife Courtney. Funeral Services will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn Side) on Tuesday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m. Visiting hours Monday 4-8 p.m. Interment Private. Memorials in Rachel’s name may be made to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, P.O. Box 660843, Dallas, TX 75266-0843 in sponsorship of her daughter, Patti Gibbs, who is walking in memory of her mother, or through the website www.the3day.org and “Donate to Participant” Patti Gibbs.