Published in the December 23, 2016 edition
HOPKINTON — Rachel M. (McIntyre) Dunn, of Hopkinton, formerly a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 16, at Framingham Union Hospital, at age 86.
Rachel was born in St. Stephen, New Brunswick on Sept. 11, 1930, a daughter of the late Roderick V. and Jessie (Breen) McIntyre. She was raised just over the Canadian border in the seaside town of St. Stephen where her lifelong love for learning began. She was educated in the classic one room schoolhouse with various age students and shortly after graduating became a teacher.
At age 21, she moved to the United States, settling in Boston and eventually found a home in Melrose where she lived for 42 years. She was married and soon had three children while also working part time.
With her love for learning, Rachel continued to take classes well into her life and was proud to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at age 71.
Rachel was a woman with strong faith and devotion to God. She deepened her faith as a reborn Christian through several nondenominational churches and recently had found a spiritual home at the International Family Church in North Reading.
In her free time, Rachel enjoyed being with her family. She held her Canadian roots close to her heart, and was so happy to return to New Brunswick and see family and friends. She took regular trips to see family in Maine or New Hampshire and looked forward to yearly outings to Russell Farms for apple picking. She found great joy whenever surrounded by her grandchildren and loved her miniature poodle, Caesar and Pomeranian, Max.
True to her New Brunswick heritage, Rachel was a caring but self-reliant woman who took pride in her independence and remained strong willed throughout her life. She will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends.
Rachel was the beloved wife of the late James R. Dunn Sr. She was the devoted mother of Cindy A. Nordquist of Lowell, Peter R. Dunn and his wife Regina of Hopkinton and the late James R. Dunn Jr. She was the dear sister of Shirley Durante of Calais, Maine, Lloyd A. McIntyre of St. Stephen, New Brunswick and the late Kenneth Cleghorn, John McIntyre and Doris McIntyre. She was the caring sister-in-law of Lorraine Carbone of Melrose and Arlene Petersen of Melrose. She was the cherished grandmother of Sonja Cembalisty of Rochester, N.H., Anders Nordquist of Lowell and Ryan Dunn, Sara Dunn and Daniel Dunn, all of Hopkinton. She was the loving great-grandmother of Libby, Linnea, Ando and Meva. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Rachel’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, Dec. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m., and for her funeral service at the International Family Church, 99 Concord St., North Reading celebrated on Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
For online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
