Rachel Brocklehurst

Rachel M. Brocklehurst, 88, of Buffalo, New York, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Sanford, Maine on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 with her family by her side. Rachel was born in Buffalo, New York on June 27, 1932 to Frank and Irene (Penco) Boccio. She grew up in South Buffalo where she attended local schools, graduating from South Park High School. In 1956 she married Robert M. Brocklehurst and together they raised five children and shared 63 years of marriage until his death in March of 2020. During her working life she was employed as a legal secretary and also for the New York State Civil Service office. Rachel was a devout Catholic and had been a communicant of Holy Spirit Parish in North Buffalo where she served as a Eucharistic minister, attended Bible study, Book club, and volunteered in many other areas of the church over the years. Rachel lived a life that was devoted to caring for others. In addition to being a loving and devoted wife and mother to five children, she also took care of her sister for 10 years while she was in a period of declining health and both of her parents-in-law for several years when they were elderly. She always showed unconditional kindness and love, making everyone feel as though they were a member of her family, regardless of who they were. Rachel always took pride in keeping a nice home for her family. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing wonderful meals. She was especially known for her lasagna. She was an outgoing and friendly woman and enjoyed the company of others. Throughout her life, she made it a point to stay in touch and active with many of her elementary and high school friends. Rachel lived a life devoted to faith, family and friends and will be remembered as a shining example of what it means to be a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be dearly missed. Rachel was predeceased by her husband, Robert M. Brocklehurst, Sr.; her parents; her parents-in law, Joshua W.T. and Thelma Brocklehurst; her son-in-law, Michael Falsone and her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Brocklehurst. Surviving are five children, Lynn Schneider and her husband Steven of Sanford, Maine, Robert M. Brocklehurst, Jr. and his wife Lori of N. Tonawanda, New York, Laura Bonarek and her husband Richard of Grand Island, New York, Lisa Falsone and her fiancee Glenn Pedeville of Lockport, New York, William Brocklehurst and his wife Lee of Austin, Texas; 14 grandchildren, Brian, Katherine, Kevin, Rachel, Robert III, Michael, Joshua, Nicholas, Joseph, Andrea, Sean, Samantha, Luke and Joshua; three great-grandchildren, Kate, Wesley and Benjamin and many extended family members and close friends. Services in Buffalo will be held at Holy Spirit Church, please contact family. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. This was Rachel's favorite prayer which she recited daily: The Miracle Prayer Lord Jesus, I come before you, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever. I invite you into my life, Jesus. I accept you as my Lord, God and Savior. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul, and spirit. Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your Precious Blood, and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I love you Lord Jesus. I praise you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. I shall follow you every day of my life. Amen. Mary, My Mother, Queen of Peace, all the Angels and Saints, please help me. Amen.