Rachel M. (Desrosiers) Anderson

FITCHBURG: Rachel M. Anderson, 83, of Fitchburg, MA, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025. Born on November 2, 1941, in Fitchburg, she was a lifelong resident of the city she loved. Rachel was the devoted wife of 45 years to the late Bethel G. “Andy” Anderson, who predeceased her in November 2007. She was the beloved daughter of the late Ernest and Catherine (Caron) Desrosiers. A proud alumna of St. Joseph’s School and St. Bernard’s High School (Class of 1959), Rachel was a dedicated worker and compassionate soul throughout her life. For more than 25 years, she served as district manager and later store manager for CVS Pharmacy. She went on to work for 15 years as an office assistant to the hospice team at Health Alliance Home Health and Hospice, retiring in 2012. Rachel was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Church, where she contributed countless hours as a PTA volunteer, working at school bingo nights and church bazaars. She was deeply involved in her community and committed to causes that brought people together. She and Andy shared a love of gardening—especially tending their vegetable garden. Rachel continued that passion in her later years with her beloved flower beds. She was a gifted knitter and crocheter, and her hands were rarely still. From scrapbooking and puzzles to an ever-growing list of Pinterest crafts, Rachel was always creating something beautiful. Family meant the world to Rachel. She found great joy in spending time with her grandsons and great-grandchildren, who were the lights of her life. She is survived by her son, Mark Anderson and his wife Linda of Fitzwilliam, NH, and her daughter, Heidi Cormier and her husband Steve of Fitchburg, MA. She also leaves behind her sister, Thelma Desrosiers of Fitchburg, MA, and her brother, Roger Desrosiers of Florida. Rachel was a proud grandmother to five grandsons: Mark Anderson of Raymond, ME; Kevin Anderson and his wife Erin of Fitzwilliam, NH; Michael Minichiello and his wife Brooke of Lexington, VA; Daniel Minichiello and his wife Jill of Ashburnham, MA; and Jamie Minichiello of Fitchburg, MA. She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Jacob, Ashley, and Isabella Anderson of Raymond, ME; Chloe and Brady Anderson of Fitzwilliam, NH; Harper, Ivy, and Austin of Lexington, VA; and Dominic and Elyse of Ashburnham, MA. Rachel will be remembered for her warmth, her creativity, and her unwavering love for her family and community. Rachel's funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11AM Thursday, May 1, 2025 at St. Joseph's Church, 49 Woodland Street, Fitchburg. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery. Rachel's family will receive relatives and friends at a visitation period 9-10:30am on Thursday, May 1 at the Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon Street, Fitchburg. www.andersonfuneral.com

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Rachel M. (Desrosiers) Anderson

November 2, 1941 - April 18, 2025