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Nelda Racette, 89

March 15, 2020

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Nelda Dean (McDowell) Racette, 89 of North Adams, Mass., died Sunday March 15, 2020, at Williamstown Commons.



She was born in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., on July 20, 1930, a daughter of Rueben and Della (Waters) McDowell. She came to North Adams at age 6 and graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1948.



Nelda was last employed as a clinical aide at North Adams Regional Hospital until her retirement. Before that, she worked at Wall-Streeter Shoe Co and Sweetbrook Nursing Home. She was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Nelda enjoyed reading and sewing but most importantly spending time with her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.



She was the widow of Richard Armand Racette, who died December 22, 2010. They were married on July 23, 1949.



Survivors include two daughters, Donna L. Racette and close family friend and adopted daughter Lou Ann Quinn of North Adams and Debra L. Wood and her husband Richard of North Adams; two sons, Richard A. Racette Jr. and his wife, Karen O’Neil, of North Adams and Kurt Racette and his wife, Annette, of Ritchfield, N.C.; nine grandchildren, Jason Wood and Kelly, Zachary Wood and Laura, Matthew Racette and Stephanie, Michael Racette and Margaret, Joshua Racette and Laura, Jennifer Racette and Cody, Cole Skibik, and Elise, Max Quinn and Kari, and Mariah Ferrara; nine great-grandchildren, Ava, Haley, Tenley, Griffin, Rylan, Nolan, Jackson and Sadie; and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.



Her daughter Jacklyn Skibik passed on December 3, 2009; her husband Jeffrey Skibik passed on September 3, 2012; and her brother William McDowell is deceased.



Funeral notice: Services for Nelda Racette will be at a later date at a time to be announced due to the coronavirus. Burial will be in Southview Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Williamstown Commons Evergreen Unit in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.



 




Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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My prayers and love to the whole family.
from: Bill Simonon: 04-28-2020

Donna, Debbie, Lou Ann, Dick, and families - so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. You're all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
from: Missy Parisienon: 04-01-2020

I am so sorry for your loss.
from: Janet Tafton: 03-21-2020

Donna, Deb, Richard, Kurt and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Your Mom's passing. I really enjoyed working with her, as she always made the day go by faster with a smile on her face and she truly enjoyed taking care of the patients at NARH. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! I will never forget her. May Nel Rest in Peace.
from: Deb LaCasseon: 03-20-2020

I’m so very sorry for her family’s loss.. I remember this lovely lady from her presence at Emily’s Beauty Salon ...she always had a beautiful smile and I send my sincere condolences and I’m sure she will be missed greatly🙏🏻
from: Cheryl Lefaveon: 03-20-2020

Prayers for all...so sorry for your loss...spent many days on Gallup street.
from: MaryEllenMorrisseyon: 03-20-2020

Donna Deb and family ,so sorry for your loss your MOM was such a kind lovely lady . love and prayers Sue
from: sue vareschion: 03-19-2020

Deb, Donna, Rick, Kurt and your families. Many fond memories of your mom in my life. We are sorry for your loss. Our prayers and kind thoughts come your way.
from: Mary and Thom Swifton: 03-19-2020

Donna and Lou Ann sorry to read about the passing of Nelda she was one of my mom’s clients and was such a great lady!
from: Chris Howardon: 03-18-2020

I am sorry to here of the passing of your mother.
from: Nanette Schmidt on: 03-18-2020

Sincere condolences to all the family. I met Nelda when they came to North Adams from the south. We attended Freeman school together and graduated from Drury high school. While we were in grammar school every summer we took part in the library reading program we both love to read. The last time I saw Nelda was at the planets gym a few years ago. We talked about old times in our family. She was a kind sweet lady I know she will be missed
from: Frances buckleyon: 03-18-2020

So sorry to hear of Nelda’s passing. She was such a sweet lady and I had the privilege of working with her at NARH. Pat Bullett
from: Pat Bulletton: 03-18-2020

Debbie and Donna. Your mom was one of the really good aides and a good friend to my mom when working at the "Reg". We were all there in the good old days. My mom will meet her when she arrives in heaven. Prayers are with you.
from: Kathy Denault, Heather Lemoine and Bonnie Lipaon: 03-18-2020

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