Marie Rachel (Hart) Perry

Marie Rachel (Hart) Perry, 86, of Memphis, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday in the ICU at Upstate Community Hospital in Syracuse, surrounded by her loving family.

Rachel was born on June 21, 1939, in Massena, NY, the daughter of the late Romeo and Margaret (Hurteau) Hart, and was the second of seven children. She graduated from Massena Central High School, where she was an excellent student, co-captain of the girls’ basketball team, a varsity football and basketball cheerleader, and a model in the senior fashion show.

Rachel attended A. Barton Hepburn School of Nursing in Ogdensburg, NY, and graduated as a registered nurse. She practiced nursing in both hospitals and private offices before continuing her career at Syracuse University (SU) Student Health Services. Committed to lifelong learning, she completed additional courses at SU and advanced to become a nurse practitioner. She later joined an OB/GYN private practice, retiring at age 70.

Rachel cherished her family, many friends, colleagues, and varied interests. Notably, she was a member and trustee of the Camillus Elks Lodge Ladies Auxiliary, volunteered with the local Christmas Bureau, and was active in the Camillus Senior Center. An excellent bowler, Rachel once rolled a perfect 300 with her team. She was an animal lover, avid reader, bargain hunter, and wonderful cook. Rachel enjoyed musical theater, travel, family gatherings, good food, and a well-made martini. Her sense of humor, love, generosity, and compassion will be greatly missed.

Rachel was predeceased by her brothers, Roger and Romeo “Butch” Hart.

Surviving are her high school sweetheart and husband of 65 years, David J.; beloved children, Stephanie (Rob) Melone of Hollis, NH, David M. (Karen Hubley) Perry of Colorado; and Krista (Chris) Schoch of Warners, NY; precious grandchildren, Alyssa (Damien) Francis, Danica (Trevan) Miller, Jenna Schoch, Ezekiel (Emily) Perry, Noah (Cershtain) Perry, and Hope Perry; great-grandchildren, in whom she took great joy, Orion and Layla Francis, Ella Perry, and Alliana Perry; siblings, Andrew (Kathy) Hart, Regent (Carol) Hart, Rene (Barbara) Hart, and Sylvia (Joe) Cordwell, all of Massena, NY; sisters-in-law, Sandra Hart of Olathe, KS, and Nancy Hart of Minoa, NY; and many nieces and nephews.

According to Rachel’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or church service. Instead, a celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.