Rachel M Rushford

September 23, 1917 - December 20, 2021

ATHOL-Rachel M. (Lumbra) Rushford, 104, died Monday, December 20, 2021 at the Applewood Home for Elders in Athol. She was the wife of the late Urban E. Rushford, who died in 2006, they were married for 69 years. Rachel leaves a daughter in law, Barbara Rushford; three grandchildren, Craig Rushford and his wife Cheryl Azza of Methuen, Raquel Gauvin and her husband Stephen of Athol and Laryssa Robideau and her husband George "Kipper" of Rochdale; three great-grandchildren, Maria Robideau, Boden Robideau and Sydney Gauvin; one sister, Elaine Achambeault of VT and TX; two special nieces, Nancy Magill of Orange and Ruth Quinland of Athol; a very good friend and caregiver, Nancy Major of Orange and several other nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her son, Rayburn E. Rushford, who died in February; two brothers, Roland Lumbra and Leonard Lumbra; three sisters, Marjorie Houle, Buelah Hache, and Eleanor Ladue. Rachel was born in Montgomery, VT a daughter of the late Charlie and Mary (Centerbar) Lumbra. She was a 1935 Graduate of Montgomery Center High School. She and Charlie were married on February 20, 1937 and they moved to Athol in 1952. She worked for McElwains Shoe Company for 20 years and retired in 1980. She was a member of the Athol Golden Ager's and A.A.R.P. Rachel will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her funeral will be held on Monday, December 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Fiske Murphy and Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange, MA 01364. Burial will follow in the Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol, MA 01331. A calling hour will be held in the funeral home from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral. Due to Covid regulations masks are required to be worn. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the Athol Congregational Church, 1225 Chestnut Street, Athol, MA 01331. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange, is assisting with arrangements. Kevin J. Mack and Walter C. Taylor, funeral directors.