Rachael (Jones) Osborne

Rachael (Jones) Osborne MERRIMACK — Rachael Helen Jones Osborne, 104, Merrimack, New Hampshire, passed away June 14, 2021, at Elliot Hospital, Manchester, New Hampshire, after a long and busy life. Rachael was born Aug. 1, 1916, to Bertha (Stearns) and Byron Jones. She’ll be remembered for her warm smile, quick wit and eagerness to help. She enjoyed playing the piano and singing. Rachael loved to entertain and was an excellent cook. Many will remember her delicious lasagnas and wonderful sticky buns which she made for family holiday gatherings. While in high school, Rachael worked summers as a member of a dance troupe at hotels on Lake Sunapee. She was told not to speak to guests as the dancers were advertised as New Yorkers and her New England accent would prove otherwise. She graduated from Sunapee Central School and went to work for the Woodbine Cottage as their first hostess. She married Raymond “Pete” Osborne in September 1934, in a double wedding with Percy and Sadie Osborne on Lake Sunapee. Together, Rachael and Pete worked for many years in the Osborne family business, Osborne Marine and Garage, in Sunapee, New Hampshire. Rachael was responsible for boat and canoe rentals and bookkeeping. She was also a member of the Sunapee Methodist Church and an active member of UMW. After retiring, Rach and Pete moved to Riviera Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed their home on the Intracoastal Waterway and view of Singer Island. They welcomed guests to their little bit of heaven on earth and were happy to share the view. After Pete’s death, Rachael moved north to Merrimack, New Hampshire, to be closer to family. She was an active card maker and enjoyed remembering special occasions with her handmade creations. She was also part of a group known for wearing fancy hats and jewelry when dining out. Rachael was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her brother, Russell Jones, his wife, Dot; and sister, Beverly Cutts and her husband, Stanley. She is survived by a son, Wayne Osborne, his wife, Donna; her son, Lee Palmer; and nieces, Terry Osborne, Dale Osborne, Diane (Jones) Cotter, Candy Cutts and Cindy (Cutts) Putnam; also, a grandnephew and several grandnieces. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home. A graveside service in Eastman Cemetery, Sunapee, will be held at 10:30 a.m. July 10, 2021, for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rachael’s name to the Sunapee Historical Society or Sunapee United Methodist Church.