Rachel Jane Vondal of Chelmsford

Rachel Jane Vondal, 94, of Chelmsford, died Saturday, November 28, 2020.
Born in Greenville, ME on July 29, 1926, she was the daughter of the late John A.K. Bagnell and Theo E. Townsend. She was married to Edward A. Vondal for 45 years until his death in 1993. The couple resided in Chelmsford for many years.
Rachel graduated from Woodbury High School in Salem, NH in 1944 as the class Salutatorian. In 1945 she entered the U.S. Government Cadet Nursing Program, designed to address a critical nationwide shortage of nurses during WW II. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from the program at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lowell where she then worked for many years; and retired as an industrial nurse at Raytheon in Lowell. During her retirement she remained active volunteering for many years for Meals on Wheels and for the Companion-Respite Care Program managed by the Chelmsford Senior Center. She was a long-time member of Central Congregational Church in Chelmsford, where she had many friends.
Rachel enjoyed singing throughout her life and sang in church choirs, chorale societies, variety shows, high school plays, weddings and more. She also enjoyed writing poetry for family and friends, playing comedic roles for church dinner theatres, talking to people, bird-watching, music, reading, playing Scrabble, swimming in the ocean, Sully’s ice cream, and especially, spending time with her family.
She is survived by her children Kenneth Vondal of Westford, MA, Patricia Vondal of Lowell, MA, Deborah Vondal of Athol, MA and Cynthia Franklin and son-in-law Douglas of Wellfleet, MA; grandchildren Abigail Archer (Richard), Jonathan Franklin, Maegan Koelker (Matt), Matthew Karan, and Rachel Karan; great-grandsons Simon and Eli Koelker; and many nieces and nephews residing in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Florida, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.
There will be no services at this time. Contributions can be made to Central Congregational Church, PO Box 339, Chelmsford 01824 or to a charity of your choice. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com.