Obituary of Rachael Minges DeLonge

Rachael Minges DeLonge, of Essex, CT passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at the age of 96. Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, Rachael graduated from Michigan State Univ. with a degree in Health and Physical Education. She married Kenneth A. DeLonge, also a MSU graduate, in 1937, and they resided for 52 years in Cranford, NJ where Rachael was a member of the College Club, the Junior League, Historical Society, and the Garden Club of Cranford. As a member of the Presbyterian Church she taught Sunday school and played with the bell choir for many years. The DeLonges also belonged to the Cranford Swim Club and Echo Lake Country Club. Summers were spent in Grafton, VT where Rachael enjoyed gardening, playing tennis and croquet, as well as entertaining family and friends. In 1989 they moved to Essex Meadows, a Life Care Community in Essex, CT. As a member of First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, Rachael played in the bell choir. She was predeceased by her husband, Ken, and youngest son, Gary V. P. DeLonge. Surviving are a daughter, Diana French in Mahwah, NJ, a son, David, in Millburn, NJ, and Ronald in Saxtons River, VT, and 7 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Her sister, Frances Isaac, resides in Battle Creek, Michigan. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 2:00PM in Hamilton Hall at Essex Meadows, Essex CT. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Essex Meadows Scholarship Foundation, 30 Bokum Road, Essex, CT 06426. To share a memory of Rachael or send a condolence to her family please visit www.rwwfh.com . Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook, CT.