R.S.M. Sister Rachel Cushman Obituary

Biddeford – Sister Rachel Cushman, R.S.M. [Sister Mary Germaine], 94 yrs., died peacefully on July 20, 2025 at St, Joseph's Convent, Biddeford, after a short illness. She was one of eleven children born to George Mason Cushman and Mary Alice Chisholm, in Bangor on March 19, 1931. In 1949, she graduated from John Bapst High School and was employed by New England Telephone Company before entering the Sisters of Mercy, Portland from her parish, St. John's, Bangor. After her religious formation program, she professed her Final Vows in 1956, taking as her religious motto, Silence. She pursued her education from St. Joseph's College, Standish, where she earned her B.S. in Education and later received her M.S. in Education from the University of Southern Maine.

Sister Rachel's teaching ministry spanned over forty years of elementary education in the Diocesan School System. She taught the little ones from Portland to Bangor and places in between. The Good Cause Thrift Shop in Portland was her next ministry where, once again, she brought her enthusiasm as co-manager. She then volunteered to assist the Life and Ministry Administrator of the Community. Along with her friend, Sister Mary Thaddene Barnes, she undertook the enormous job of organizing the entire Motherhouse contents for auction. This was done regularly and lovingly for months until the job was completed.

Watching baseball was one of Sr. Rachel's favorite past times. She was an avid cheerleader for the Boston Red Sox! Right up until her last week she was asking the Staff how her favorite team was doing. Many times her family would surprise her with Red Sox tickets for her enjoyment. On the local front, she was always ready to attend the Sea Dogs games, whether planned or at the last minute.

Sister Rachel's family often kept in touch with her whether near or far. In turn, her many siblings' children kept up the tradition of surprise visits or phone calls that she so enjoyed. The iPad pictures of their children and grandchildren always brought a smile to her face, and she often shared photos with those who visited her. Sister Rachel appreciated their concern for her and readily prayed for them daily.

Sister Rachel had a strong faith and had a particular devotion to St. Joseph. She had confidence that he would intercede in her requests. She was always proud that she was born on his feast day, March 19th.

Sister Rachel was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Aiden, Richard, Francis, George, Charles and William "Bill;" and sisters, Alicia, Mary Joanne, Theresa, and Paula.

Sister Rachel is survived by her dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families. She also leaves several close friends and her religious community, the Sisters of Mercy.

Our sincere gratitude to the staff of the former Frances Warde Convent, Portland and those at St. Joseph's Convent, Biddeford as well as the Northern Light Homecare and Hospice for their compassionate care to Sister Rachel.

Visiting hours will be held from 4-6pm, on Thursday, July 24, 2025, with a prayer service at 5:30pm, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. To view the livestream of the prayer service, please visit www.facebook.com/ConroyTullyWalker. The livestream will begin at 5:15pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Friday, July 25, 2025, at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave, Portland. To view the livestream of the Mass, please visit https://ladyofhopemaine.org. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sister Rachel Cushman may be made to the Retirement Fund of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 966 Riverside St., Portland, ME 04103