Anna “Jean” Hayes Rachko

Anna Jean Hayes Rachko, age 86, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by her family on Tuesday, February 24, 2015.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware on November 27, 1928, Jean was a daughter of the late William Hayes and Elsie Zarnoch Hayes. Her generous and kind nature made her career as a restaurant hostess a perfect fit and she enjoyed interacting with the many patrons she served.

Jean enjoyed cooking and was an avid reader. She adored animals, but had a special fondness for dogs. She will be remembered as a gentle and loving person who always put others before herself and will be dearly missed by all.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alvan S. Rachko and her sister, Patricia Rash. Jean is survived by her children, Kathy Coulbourn (Gary), Nancy Cochran (Joe) and Bill Cieniewicz; step children, Robin Rachko Klein (Charles), Mark Rachko (Denise), Alan Rachko (Gretchen) and Stephen Rachko (Carol Anne); 9 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 Noon on Saturday, March 7, 2015, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church, 345 Bear-Christiana Road, Bear, DE, where a visitation will be held from 11 am until 12 Noon. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jean’s name may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.