Rachel F. (Boisvert) Nichols, 88, of Woodbury passed away peacefully on Sunday July 8, 2012 at VITAS Hospice unit at St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Rachel was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Burton G. Nichols.
Rachel was born on September 27, 1923 in Waterbury. Rachel was the daughter of the late George Boisvert and Corrine (Langevin) Boisvert. Rachel is predeceased by two sisters, Irene (Boisvert) (LaBuda) Gugliotti, and Corrine Boisvert, and four brothers, Lionel Boisvert, Al Boisvert, Emile Boisvert and Armen Boisvert.
Rachel is survived by her four children, Theresa and her husband, Richard Cleaver of Woodbury, Harry Nichols and Katherine Bates of Florida, Larry and his wife Peggy Nichols of East Haddam, Arlene and her husband Michael Quattro of Watertown. In addition, Rachel leaves 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by many uncles, aunts and cousins.
Rachel went to St. Ann's French Catholic school in Waterbury where she achieved high marks until eighth grade. After eighth grade, Rachel was unable to continue her schooling due to her father and younger sister becoming very ill. Rachel assisted her mother with the care of the family. She helped support her family by cleaning homes and providing babysitting to others. After meeting her future husband, 19 year old Burton at work, Rachel asked St. Theresa for a sign if they should be wed as she was only 18 years old. St. Theresa provided a miracle when Burton presented Rachel with a bouquet of red roses. The two were married and created a life together which they would become inseparable.
Rachel continued her schooling after she was married and became a mother. During 1958 - 1960, she took a home study course through the Post Graduate School of Nursing. Rachel cared for her husband and children during the day and at night studied to complete a degree in nursing. Rachel graduated with high marks August 15, 1960 as a Practical Nurse.
After retirement, Rachel and Burton spent many wonderful years traveling around the country, visiting friends and family. Rachel loved being with people, celebrating holidays, especially with her family, gardening and canning fresh food, and enjoying nature, especially birds that came to nest in Burton's handmade bird houses.
A special thank you to all the caring people at The Village at East Farms who gave extra love and care to Rachel during the last 2 ½ years of her life.
Special gratitude to all the loving nurses and doctors on the VITAS Hospice Unit who provided Rachel with care and respect during the last days of her life. Thank you also for providing support and care to the family while Rachel was in hospice. Grateful appreciation to Mary Quattro who provided guidance, love and support.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to VITAS Hospice Unit, St. Mary's Hospital, Xavier 4, 56 Franklin St. Waterbury, CT 06706.

Cemetery: New North Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: St. Teresa's Church

Services: A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday July 13th at 10am at St. Teresa of Avila Church, Woodbury. Burial will follow in New North Cemetery, Woodbury.

Visitation: Friends and family may call at the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson - Lovetere, 2 School St., on Thursday July 12th from 5 - 7pm.