Farmington Obituary: Rachael de Rham, 82

Rachael Thompson de Rham, age 82, died on February 8, 2016.

Born June 26, 1933 to Abbott Bradford Thompson and Rachael Keeney Thompson. She was a direct descendent of William Bradford, Governor of Plymouth Colony, and a framer of the Mayflower Compact. She attended Oxford School, graduated from Dana Hall School class of 1950 and Smith College class of 1954. Ray grew up on the Thompson family farm, located in Ellington and the Melrose section of East Windsor Connecticut, first deeded to the Thompson family in 1730/31. She was the eighth generation to manage the farm with faithful stewardship for future generations.

Ray married her kindred soul, David Patterson de Rham on June 27, 1953. Together, with the help of Maria Carmela Sandefur, they raised their own children while mothering a passel of others. Ray lived in Farmington for 60 years in a home filled with constant activity and fun. Ray loved being outside. Among her many favorite activities were hiking mountains, swimming, painting barns, pond skating, gathering sap for maple syrup, and eating ice cream on the deck. She took great joy in shoveling after a snowstorm. Starting as a young girl on the farm, with skis made by her father, Ray became an avid skier. It was an enthusiastically shared family sport.

For over 40 years Ray and David eagerly anticipated their time with family and friends at Rockywold Deephaven Camps on Squam Lake in NH. One of her favorite places was in her canoe, paddling quietly along the shore listening to the call of the loons. Throughout her life she made fast friends with people of all ages and was always fascinated by their interests. Forever young, Ray could often be found playing with kids, jumping in mud puddles, playing pooh sticks, reading books together, sledding, hoop rolling, or working on projects - the messier the better. Those she touched will miss her every day. She loved and lived for her family both direct and acquired.

Children: Abbott Bradford de Rham and wife Kathleen Morris de Rham of Dorset, VT; Margaret Morehead de Rham and Brian Robert Kelly of Newfields, NH; John Motley Morehead de Rham and Jacqueline Tahminey Jamsheed of West Hartford, CT; and Ridgely Cougar Mercedes Arande and Kathleen Stewart-Arande of Bradenton, FL. Grandchildren: Teresse Marion de Rham, Savannah Mireille Thompson de Rham and Seth Nielson Beauregard, Lucy Lathrop Kelly, Rachael de Rham Kelly, Zora Patterson de Rham, Claire Dugan Witinok and Michael Joseph Witinok; and Race Thomas Arande. She is also survived by her two sisters: Ann Bordell Thompson, Sally Thompson Bissell and husband Sumner Fuller Bissell.

Ray and her family want to give thanks to her medical team, and to her dedicated caregivers for their kindness and devotion. She loved life to the fullest, living each day with kindness, courage, determination, strength, and optimism. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, quick wit, laughter, big heart and ready smile.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 2:00pm at St. James Episcopal Church, 3 Mountain Road, Farmington. www.ahernfuneralhome.com.