Rachel Morin

AUBURN – Rachel Gilbert Morin, 89, (Auburn’s favorite daughter) slipped away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, surrounded by her beloved children and her favorite brother, Gene Gilbert. Her final day was filled with laughter, family stories – those legendary “fireside tales” she so enjoyed – and the warmth of the people she loved most. As the sun went down, laughter and tears filled the room and our sweet Rachel peacefully left us, just as she would have wanted.

Born in 1936 to Mary (Shrum) and Arthur Gilbert, Rachel’s early years were shaped by her Catholic school education and the influence of the nuns, which stuck with her throughout her life. A proud Lewiston High School graduate (class of ’55), she went on to earn her nursing degree from St. Mary’s School of Nursing, (class of’58) embodying the true spirit of nursing: empathy, care, and unwavering support.

Rachel’s heart found its home in Auburn when love led her across the bridge when she married Gerard L. Morin in 1959. Together, they raised three children -Catherine, Elizabeth, and Gerry – filling their home with laughter, camping trips, and family adventures. She was a devoted supporter of her children’s activities and interests and a enthusiastic patron of community events, always cheering on her hometown.

If Rachel hadn’t been a nurse, she would have been a writer – and, in many ways, she was both. From childhood pen-pal letters to high school journalism, society columns for the Maine Sunday Telegram, and her beloved “Out and About with Rachel Morin” column in the Twin City Times for over 15 years. Rachel chronicled the heart and happenings of Lewiston-Auburn life. Her words connected people, celebrated community spirit, and turned everyday moments into cherished memories.

Her zest for life led her on adventures far and wide – 20 countries and counting! Highlights of her trips include climbing the Matterhorn, cruising the Nile, walking on the Great Wall of China and climbing the 2000 steps at 12,000 feet above sea level to the Dalai Lama’s Potala Palace in Tibet. Rachel kept meticulous travel journals, snapped hundreds of photos, and delighted local audiences with her funny, insightful travelogues. In her later years, she surprised us all – she took up acting with Community Little Theater. “Show Time” with her grandchildren became a highlight of family events, complete with costumes and music. She was a flautist in the Auburn Community Band.

Rachel’s nursing career took her to General Electric, where she championed blood drives and broke donation records. She served on the boards of the American Red Cross and Lewiston/Auburn Senior College. She was a member of Auburn’s Readers Theater and a trained docent at the Portland Museum of Art. She was an active member of Lewiston/Auburn Senior College’s Writers Group. She was a founding member of St Philip’s Church in Auburn and very active in parish activities.

She found joy in many passions – music, art, poetry, and books. Her vibrant perennial garden on Fairview Court drew plenty of admirers, and she was always eager to share her green thumb with her children and grandchildren. Above all, she cherished nature, especially the quiet magic of trees.

In 2016, Rachel was honored as Auburn’s Citizen of the Year – a fitting tribute to a woman who gave so much to her city, its arts, and its people.

Above all, Rachel was fiercely loved by her family and adored by her grandchildren – Sam, Emma, and Adam – who remember countless sleepovers, adventures, trips, and the unconditional love she showered upon them. Rachel’s warmth, wit, and spirit leave a huge hole in our lives. But her stories – and her love – will live on.

Rachel is survived by her daughter Catherine Campbell and husband Matthew of Portland; daughter Elizabeth Morin of South Portland; son Gerard Morin and wife Debbie Bolen-Morin of West Bath; grandson Sam Campbell and wife Kara Rowley of Berlin, Germany; granddaughter Emma Campbell of Portland; and grandson Adam Campbell and wife Arianna Paul of Old Orchard Beach.

Rachel Morin led a big, beautiful life – full of love, laughter, and adventure. She never missed a chance to tell everyone how proud she was of her family and how grateful she was for every moment. We are forever blessed to have been part of her story.

Join us in celebrating Rachel’s life with a Mass at St. Philip’s Church on October 9, at 11 a.m. Visiting hours are October 8 from 4–7 p.m., at Fortin’s Funeral Home on Turner Street in Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Morin Family favorite non-profit organization, STRIVE. https://pslstrive.org/donate