Rachel KELLER

WESTBROOK - Rachel Keller Boulanger, 84, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 25, 2005 at Mercy Hospital in Portland.Rachel was born in Gorham, Aug. 29, 1920, a daughter of Conrad Keller of Ride, Denmark, and Mary Smith Keller of Westbrook. She graduated from Westbrook High in 1938 and was a lifetime member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook.Rachel was employed in her early years at the South Portland Shipyard during World War II, and later worked at S.D. Warren in the count and fan department. She married Gaston A. Boulanger in July 1961 and became a homemaker. She worked hard cleaning, preparing meals, and keeping the house in order.Rachel, Aunt Rae, or 'Mammy' as some would call her, loved to bake cookies with her grandchildren. Toll House and molasses were her specialties. Mammy enjoyed being with her family. She often told stories of her younger years as a child on the farm. Many days, especially Sundays, were spent with her aunts, uncles, and cousins in Gorham at her grandparents' farmhouse. She was of Danish heritage and very proud, as she would say, 'to be a squarehead.'Mammy loved animals especially cats. She had several cats during her lifetime. Her most recent cat, Sweetie, was her pride and joy. She was a great companion and friend to her.Mammy loved to crochet. She spent many summer days crocheting scarves for young children of the Westbrook Elementary Schools for the winter. She loved to give and do things for others. She was a woman of acceptance. She was open-minded and took people into her heart for who they were. Mammy loved to be with people to share stories, and laugh. She will be missed by many people.Rachel was predeceased by Gaston A. Boulanger in June 2004 after 43 years of marriage; a sister, Glenna Christensen; and a brother, Milard Keller.Rachel is survived by a daughter, Eileen Mayo and husband, Donald Mayo of Gorham; a granddaughter, Elicia Niemiec of South Portland; a grandson, Mark Niemiec of Nashville, Tenn.; a niece, Cleo Sherman of Westbrook; a nephew, Reginald Christensen of Gorham; several great- nieces and nephews; and a very close cousin, Irma Magnusson.The family would like to thank all of Rachel's family and friends for their support and help, They would also like to thank the South Portland Nursing Home for the wonderful care given to Rachel.In honor of Rachel's wishes, there will be no visiting hours. A memorial service will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on Saturday, March 5 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook.