Acton, ME – Rachel Ann Guilmet, 80, of Acton, ME, died peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease that never stole her smile. In her final days, her giant heart grew weary from a lifetime of offering it to others without limits.

Rachel was born in Exeter, NH on May 28, 1943, the youngest daughter of the late Herbert Coll Nason and D. Barbara (Marple) Ordway. Following the death of her father when she was an infant, Rachel was raised by her mother and devoted stepfather, Ralph Ordway, in Newton Junction, NH.

Rachel and her older sister, Brenda, grew up in a small town, where they could often be found sunbathing atop Ralph’s oil tanks or hitting up the local roller-skating rink, where Rachel was known to occasionally perform the Jitterbug on wheels. After graduating from Sanborn Seminary in Kingston, NH, Rachel worked for Sylvania in Exeter, NH, and at Sawyer’s Restaurant in Plaistow, NH.

During her tenure at Sylvania, she met the love of her life and husband of 51 years, George R. Guilmet, through a mutual friend. Rachel and George settled in Londonderry, NH, where they welcomed the birth of their only child, April, in 1974.

The family moved to Hampstead in 1978, and Rachel began working at Casey’s Country Deli in Plaistow, NH. She continued serving up early breakfasts at the popular diner for the rest of her working life and was a customer favorite, never hesitating to pick up the tab or giving a ride to anyone in need.

Rachel and George would relocate to Hudson, NH, in 1995, where Rachel cared for her mother at home for 8 years. After hanging up her waitress apron for good and embracing retirement, the couple moved to Acton, ME: their “happy place.”

Known for her ability to immediately connect with people, Rachel never met a stranger and was a fun and lively addition to any gathering. She enjoyed being a member of the Acton Congregational Church. Her positive outlook on life was infectious, and she thoroughly enjoyed a nice glass of wine- or more often, several.

Rachel loved taking little trips with George and kayaking along the Maine coastline, kept an impressive flower garden, and was very fond of antiquing and fashion. She never met a clearance rack she didn’t like, and loved beaches, yard sales, cats, and her book club. Her goal in life, she’d say with a grin, was to “never be an old fart,” and she loved feeding people and making them smile.

Rachel lives on in the memories of husband George Guilmet, of Acton, ME; daughter, April Guilmet, and her husband, Jaegan LaViolette, of Hudson, NH; sister-in-law Fern Keeler of Manchester; nieces, Deborah Schrempf, Denise Hall, Pamela Hughes, and Cindy Brackett-Fheaith; nephew Billy Rand Jr.; many great nieces and nephews; several great-great nieces and nephews, her beloved rescue cat, Peat, and countless friends.

When we remember Rachel, she wouldn’t want us to shed tears, but to instead smile at a stranger, tell them we love what they’re wearing, raise a glass up high, and share a random act of kindness.

Following cremation, a celebration of Rachel’s life will be held in the coming months.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Maine, or to Happy Tails Pet Rescue in Hudson, NH.