Rachel Tourigny has a tremendous passion for life and love of family. Her enthusiasm is infectious.
Here she shares her stories of what it was like growing up poor, but with everything they needed as a family and how things have changed today. She talks of things many of us take for granted, like not having a car, or a phone, or washing machine or a bed to call our own.
Eighth of 12 siblings, she knew what it was like to compromise and share with others, to do without, but her greatest joy and love is her family.
With 6 children of her own, she is proud of all they have been able to accomplish. She feels fortunate to be able to share her stories and time with her family and grandchildren.
Although she “ really didn’t like school” Rachel went to night school for 3 years and graduated with her high school diploma, which was handed to her by Senator Hathaway in 1977 when she was 45 years old.
Rachel still loves to dance, especially the polka. never lacking a partner, and she continues to bowl in a league. The beach is her favorite place and while the family only went once a year while growing up, she now takes every opportunity available to go.
Here is her story. Enjoy.
Rachel Tourigny
INTERVIEW DETAILS
Dates of Interview: July 12, 2019 & July 29, 2019
Location: Rachel’s house in Biddeford, ME
Interviewee: Rachel Tourigny
Interviewer: Diane Cyr
Transcribers: Joanne Gagnon/Diane Cyr
SELECTED INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
- Born eighth of 12 siblings, Rachel learned early on to make her way in the world.
- One of her proudest accomplishments was returning to school and getting her highschool diploma at 45 years old.
- She talks about her first job at Kresge’s at the age of 13 and what she did to get it.
- Hear about her difficult decision to write a ” Dear John” letter to her fiance in wartime and why she did it.
- Her husband was dying. She quit work to care for him. ” You know that was such a blessing, those three years I had with him.”