Shirley V. (Montemar) Racho, age 87, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2015. Born on July 22, 1927 in Greenwich, she was the oldest of four children of the late Justine and Grace Montemar. She was a lifelong Greenwich resident.
Shirley graduated from Greenwich High School. Upon graduation she held various office and clerical positions until she met and married her husband, Peter S. Racho. Together they raised three children in Riverside.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Peter and her sister, Pearl McFadden. Shirley is survived by her children, Paul Racho of Riverside, Nancy Racho Oldham and her husband James of Monroe, CT, and Lori Rossini and her husband Emil J. Rossini, Jr. and two grandchildren Jamie and Jordan Rossini of Milford. She is also survived by her sister Laurie M. Benard of Cape Coral, Florida, her brother, Douglas M. Montemar of Wisconsin as well as several nieces and nephews.
Shirley was a lively and boisterous person who enjoyed doing the simple things in life. Nothing made her happier than attending family and social gatherings, weekend cookouts and barbeques, and spending time with her family and friends. Her good nature, fun loving personality, quick wit and bright smile will be missed by all who knew her.
Her family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the compassionate care given to her, especially to Dr. Walsh, Dr. Brunetti, Dr. Mayus, and Dr. Franco and the wonderful nurses and staff at the ICU & Medicine A Units at Greenwich Hospital. The family also wishes to acknowledge the good care given to her at Greenwich Woods Health Care Center – with a special thanks to her favorites – Yolanda, Nurse Anna, Tracey, Vickey and her special friend Joanne Schiller.
Prayer services will take place on Monday, June 8th at 11:00am at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street, Greenwich. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 399 North Street in Greenwich. Family and friends are encouraged to wear a shade of purple (Shirley’s favorite color) in her memory on June 8th.