Rachael Tanner

FAIRFIELD- Rachel Ann (Therrien) Tanner passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024, just five days past her 81st Birthday. Rachael was born to Gilbert and Dorothy Therrien in Fairfield, Vermont on February 7th, 1943.

Rachael was the oldest of five siblings. She met Richard Tanner in 1955; they dated for two years before getting married in Bakersfield, Vermont on March 16th , 1957. Rachael was blessed with four children, and she had many lifelong friendships. When she was not working or raising her children and grandchildren, she enjoyed riding motorcycles and snow machines with her husband, playing card games, and having lunch with friends. Later in life, Rachael liked joining friends for tea at the old hotel, reading, and listening to classic country music such as Conway Twitty, Alan Jackson, Patsy Cline, and Loretta Lynn.

Rachael worked within the Franklin County Community all her life. She worked various jobs around the county, one of which in the clothing/sewing factory in Enosburg. Rachael also volunteered at the East Fairfield Community Center, donating her time to such efforts as the senior meals program and food shelf. She went on to work with Northwestern Counseling and Support services as am employment coach and administrative assistant. Rachael was a force to be reckoned with in terms of loyalty and protectiveness towards her family. If anyone needed help or support, Rachael would spare no inconvenience or expense, giving freely of her modest means. Having completed her GED in the 1990s, she tirelessly encouraged her children and grandchildren towards success in education, career, and relationships.

Rachael is predeceased by her parents, brother Winfred, sister Tammy, in-laws Herbert and Francis Tanner, niece Starr Tanner, sisters-in-law Madeline Tanner and Christean Gerrow, brothers in law Eugene and Carlton Tanner, grandson Nicolas Tanner, childhood best friend Bernice Hutchins, and former employer and friend Leora Lemnah.

Surviving Rachael are her husband Richard "Cowboy" Tanner as well as children Richard Tanner and his wife Lousie, Marie Gordon, Jody Tanner and fiancée Cricket Leadbetter, and Madalyn Tanner and fiancé Stephen Fortner. She is also survived by her siblings: Rena Dezotell and husband Bud, Rodney and wife Judy, and Lawrence Therrien. She also leaves many close friends including her furry lifelong companion, a golden retriever named Harley.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the East Fairfield Community Center,124 School Street, East Fairfield, VT, 05448 or any local library, or senior community programs in her honor.

Friends & family are invited to Rachel's life celebration to include a visitation on Friday, February 16th, 2024 from Noon- 1:00PM with a funeral service following at 1:00PM at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickenson Ave., Enosburg Falls, VT 05450. Burial will be at the discretion of the family in Spring of 2024.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com