Rachel W. Burnell

Rachel W. Burnell, 77, wife of Donald B. Burnell of 1 Russett Road, Sandy Hook, died November 13 in Danbury Hospital.

Mrs Burnell was born in Skowhegan, Me. on March 12, 1922, a daughter of the late Joel and Etha (Reed) Whitney. She was a full time resident of Maine until 1966. While in Maine she was employed by the United States Soil Conservation Agency as writer of their award-winning newsletter. From 1966 to 1969 she was a resident of Arkansas and from 1969 to 1972 of Philadelphia, Penn.

In 1972, Mrs Burnell moved to Sandy Hook and began a career in real estate sales. She was employed until her retirement as an agent and broker by the Walter Maurer Agency and later by the Richard S. Jowdy and Merrill Lynch Agencies. She was a breeder of award-winning Cocker Spaniels and had been a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels. Mrs Burnell most enjoyed spending time at her most beloved Embden Pond in Maine.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, David of Sandy Hook and Duane of Carmel, Calif.; a sister, Fayetta O’Donnell of Maine; two granddaughters, Allyson and Abigail of Carmel, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews, including Leslie Jackson of Booth Bay Harbor, Me.

A memorial service will take place next summer in Maine at the convenience of the family. Cremation took place at Mountain Grove Crematory, Bridgeport. Contributions in her memory may be made to East Coast Assistance Dogs, Inc, PO Box 831, Torrington, CT 06790.

Arrangements were by Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.

The Newtown Bee      November 19, 1999