Rachel Kempton Gillson Conniff born in West Fairlee, Vermont on February 5, 1934 passed peacefully at home with her family by her side on June 8, 2014. She is survived by Robert A Conniff Sr., devoted and loving husband of 57 years; married on July 14, 1956. Children Robert Jr. (Germaine), Cathleen Hubbard (Paul), Laura Ranker (James), and Linda Rosson. Also survived by 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, her sister Annie Rice and brother Robert Gillson. She is predeceased by an infant brother, sister Betsy Richardson, half-brothers Gordon and Willard Kempton and half-sister Florence.

Rachel graduated from Yale New Haven School of Nursing in 1956 and later received her Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Connecticut State College in 1973. She was a devoted and caring nurse for 40 years before retiring last year from Opportunity House, Inc. She enjoyed her family, flowers, garden, and traveling in the camper with her husband.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on June 14, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the First Church of Christ, 5 Meeting House Lane, Woodbridge, CT with a reception immediately following in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, New York 10163; Opportunity House, Inc. 320 Old Hill Road, Hamden, CT 06514; or The First Church of Christ Woodbridge, 5 Meeting House Lane, Woodbridge, CT 06525. To sign the online guestbook please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.