Portage Lake--- Irma "Rachel" Stevens, 71, beloved sister and aunt, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 26, 2014. She was born June 1, 1942 in Portage Lake, a daughter of the late Herbert and Hazel (Bostridge) Stevens. Rachel attended State Teacher's College in Presque Isle, graduating in 1963. Her teaching career began in 1964 teaching kindergarten and first grade in Portage, until the school's closure, at which time she began teaching in Ashland. She remained there throughout her career, retiring in 2004. In addition, Rachel was a founding member of the Portage Lake Historical Society, a member of the "Red Hats" Society, the pianist at Ashland Congregational Church, and a vocalist for Aroostook River Voices. She was a member of Eastern Star, a volunteer driver for Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, and was loved and respected by the community. She is survived by: her brother, Sandy Stevens and his wife Linda of Winterville Plt.; a sister, Elizabeth Collins and her husband George; four nieces, Johna Lovely and her husband Kim, Karen Murphy, Deanna Simpson, Lora Goley and her husband Sean; a nephew Charles Franklin; and many great nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Rachel is predeceased by a sister, Mildred, and a niece, Erin. A funeral service will be celebrated at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 30, 2014, at Ashland Congregational Church, Sheridan Rd., Ashland. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home-Ashland, 114 Exchange St., Ashland. Due to severe allergies, in lieu of flowers, donations in Rachel's name may be made to: Tillikum Chapter 99, Order of Eastern Star (Elevator Fund), PO Box 424, Ashland, ME 04732.