Rachel Riccitelli MacLellan, 93, departed this world while in her home, comforted by her daughters, after a stoic battle with lung cancer.Born in Hartford, CT, Raye was the only child of Sonia (Bergman) and Israel Nathan.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, George Riccitelli, Sr. of Hamden, CT, and Edson MacLellan of Orange, CT. Raye was also predeceased by her children George Riccitelli, Jr. of Wilmington, VT, and Joanne Palmieri (Richard) of Hamden, CT. She is survived by her children, Carl Riccitelli of San Francisco, CA, Susan Schwartz (Terry) of Longmont, CO, and Rita Wright (George) of Cheshire, CT. Raye was the grandmother to nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Raye loved to sing, beginning in early childhood and continuing into her nineties. She had been a member of the choir and a soloist at St. Ann’s church in Hamden and a member of the Orange Players. Raye had many pictures of herself with a microphone in hand, entertaining at various events. A memorable moment of her singing took place when she sang the Star-Spangled Banner at an event at the Yale Bowl.
A passion for gardening led Raye to become a member of the Garden Club of Orange, where she enjoyed planting flowers around the town. She was also an avid crafter who loved to crochet, especially those coveted afghans, dolls, and animals she so lovingly gifted over the years.
Raye’s family would like to thank all of her beloved friends, who drove her to countless appointments, and would always stop by and call to check in on her. Many thanks for all of the delicious meals delivered to her home, especially her favorite, lasagna. Special thanks to the Orange Visiting Nurses for the great care. She loved you all!
A memorial service will be held at a future date.
The post Obituary: Rachel “Raye” Maclellan, 93, Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Active In The Community first appeared on orangectlive.com.