Rachael Minges DeLonge, 96, of Essex, formerly of Cranford, New Jersey, died peacefully on Oct. 4.  She was the wife of the late Kenneth A. DeLonge. Rachael was born in Battle Creek, Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in health and physical education.  She married Kenneth A. DeLonge, also a MSU graduate, in 1937, and they resided for 52 years in Cranford, New Jersey, where Rachael was a member of the College Club, the Junior League, the Historical Society, and the Garden Club of Cranford.  As a member of the Presbyterian Church she taught Sunday school and played with the bell choir for many years.  The DeLonges also belonged to the Cranford Swim Club and the Echo Lake Country Club.  Summers were spent in Grafton, Vermont, where Rachael enjoyed gardening and playing tennis and croquet, as well as entertaining family and friends. 

In 1989, they moved to Essex Meadows, a life care community in Essex.  As a member of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, Rachael played in the bell choir.

She is survived by a daughter, Diana French of Mahwah, New Jersey; two sons, David of Millburn, New Jersey and Ronald of Saxtons River, Vermont; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.   She is also survived by her sister, Frances Isaac of Battle Creek, Michigan.  She was predeceased by her youngest son, Gary V. P. DeLonge.  

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m., in Hamilton Hall at Essex Meadows, Essex.   Contributions in her memory may be made to the Essex Meadows Scholarship Foundation, 30 Bokum Rd., Essex, CT 06426. The Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook, is in charge of arrangements. To share a memory of Rachael or send a condolence to her family please visit www.rwwfh.com.