Sullivan County native Rachel Sacks Rappaport passed away in San Francisco, California, her home the last 12 years, on July 12.  She was 97.  Born and raised in Mountain Dale, the youngest of six, she graduated Mountain Dale High School as valedictorian in 1943.  She lived in Monticello while still single, working as a legal stenographer for Nellie Childs Smith, the first female attorney there, in the ‘40s.  She married Bronx native Ralph Rappaport (d. 2008) in 1951.  The couple lived in South Fallsburg for several years before moving to Woodridge in 1957, where they raised two daughters.  Rachel maintained a home in Woodridge until 2013.  Also called “Raye,” she was known for her red hair, outgoing personality, curiosity, genuine interest in people, and love of nature, animals, and singing. 

Rachel valued volunteer work and was active in Hadassah as president, as well as Jewish Women International (B’nai B’rith) as part of a group of singers visiting nursing homes in Sullivan County. She also tutored immigrants in English through Literacy Volunteers of America.

Predeceased by parents Jacob and Lena Neiman Sacks, brothers Sol (Shirley) and Joseph, sisters Anne (Paddy Michaels), and Rose (Sam Feuer), Sara (Milton Levine), nephew Alan Feuer, close family friend Manny Schongut, and nieces Carol Feuer Diamond and Bobbie Ogletree. 

Survivors include daughters Lynne Rappaport (Jon Frank), and Debby Yakov (Aaron Nagar); six grandchildren (Noah and Talia Frank; Michele, Jesse, and Daniela Nagar; Yael Nagar and Daniel Chudnow and great-grandson Lev); and numerous loving nieces and nephews from San Francisco to Israel to Canada.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, July 17, at 11:00am at the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, 388 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701 with Rabbi Lawrence Zierler officiating. Interment  immediately followed at the Workman Circle # 281 Cemetery, Marsh Road, Glen Wild, NY.

Arrangements are honorably entrusted to the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - 845-794-7474 or www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.