Raylene M. Spencer of Washington, lost a long battle with cancer on January 13, 2021. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Born in Newburyport, MA on May 1, 1948 the daughter of Peter A. and Mary C. Rais, she graduated from Melrose (MA) High School in 1966.
Raylene met her husband, Richard while still in high school. They dated throughout high school and Richard’s undergraduate studies. They were married at The Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield, MA on May 30, 1970 and recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. After high school Raylene worked at New England Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Boston. Then after marrying Richard moved to Richmond, MA and worked in the trust dept. at First Agricultural Bank until the birth of her first son. They moved to Washington, MA in 1987; and Raylene began volunteer work at the Becket School (now Becket-Washington School). That led to a career of over 25 years as a paraprofessional in the kindergarten and preschool. She loved her job and especially the children. She was always overjoyed when she was able to contribute to the progress of the young learners. She also volunteered in the CCD program at St. Agnes Church and assisted Richard in the operation of Crane Hill Tree Farm.
Raylene enjoyed gardening flowers, painting, reading and bird watching.
Besides her husband Raylene leaves sons Brian M. and Michael A. Spencer and their spouses Adele and Heather respectfully. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Raymond Rais. She also leaves nephews Peter and Mathew Rais, Jamie and Nicholas Devlin, Mathew Spencer, and Justin Bates and a niece, Hanna Spencer.
A private Liturgy of Christian Burial for Raylene Spencer will be celebrated at St. Agnes Church. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires or the Cancer Center at BMC in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA 01201.