Lakeville: June 12, 2016 at age 88. Predeceased by her husband Elwood E. Long, her son Ronald Long, and siblings; Edith Luce, D. Jeanne Coykendall, Alice Stirling, and Ruth Esch Banks. Survived by children; Judy Long (Stephen Sellinger) of FL and Deni Long (Mark Lorenzen) of Rochester; daughter-in-law Dana Keefer of Watertown; grandchildren, Eric Long, Alex Long, Brenna Lorenzen, Luke (Kate) Lorenzen; great-grandchildren; Ella & Nathan Lorenzen. Many nieces & nephews, 1 exchange daughter, and 11 exchange grandchildren from around the world. Rachel was a member of the Eastern Star and was a long time member of the Lakeville UCC.
Rachel was born on December 21, 1927 in Livonia, NY to parents Willard and Ruth (Sharpsteen) Reed. Rachel attended Livonia Central School and later attended RIT and where she received her Associates Degree in Interior Design. Prior to being a partner with her husband Elwood in many business ventures she was a long time teller at the Security Trust Bank in Livonia. She was also the Secretary & Treasurer for the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery for many years.
She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and wonderful friend. Rachel loved her pets and gardening. Her joy of life and optimism was a gift she shared with her family and everyone she met. Rachel loved family and friends and was always quick with a joke and a smile.
Friends may call on Friday, July 8th, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 20A, Livonia. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 9th, at 2pm at the Lakeville United Church of Christ, 5687 Big Tree Road, Rte 20A, Lakeville, NY 14480. Private burial Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Geneseo, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lakeville United Church of Christ at the address above or the Livonia Historical Society, 10 Commercial Street, Livonia, NY 14487. To send a condolence and for further information please visit:
www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Dear Judy and Deni,
We send our heartfelt condolences to you. May God comfort you in your time of loss. Aunt Rae was a wonderful and positive person we will miss her also.
Sincere thoughts and prayers,
John and Christie
Deni,
Your Mom’s beautiful smile will remain with us forever. Sending hugs and love your way.
Deni, Judy, and Steph, In meditation I revisited “the house by the field”. Therein I once again found the same sense of awe and mystery I had as a child. I remember Halloween and being dressed in a bunny costume at age 5, of spending a few afternoons after school, of sitting on the front steps soaking up anything Ronnie wanted to play. I remember standing on the lawn with all of us doing the serenade for Rachel. I realized, I don’t know how to say I will miss her, not like you, her children. For me she must remain the one with the easy smile, the gentle laugh, the non-interfering guide at church activities; and remain as this in my heart she does. I see her still piloting that speed boat, …now, at Godspeed.
Judy, Deni, Steph and Mark, The wonderful times and memories that I/we spent with your Mom will be forever cherished. She was one of the kindest people that we know and it is comforting to know that her compassion for people and life will be carried on in each of her daughters. At this difficult time, we hold all of you very closely to our hearts.
Deni and family, my deep sympathy. Holding you in thought and prayer. Miss you.
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and hoping your memories bring you peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this trying time. I have very fond memory’s of your mom from growing up. Rest in peace sweet lady you will be ever so missed. Fly high
Judy and Deni My condolences to you and your families. I have many good memories of your mom from long ago. I know she will be missed by all.
Deni & Judy – Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom. She had the prettiest blue eyes and they would light up when you spoke to her. We hope she is no longer suffering and is now reunited with your Dad. Hope that is of some comfort to you.