Raeann “Rae” Pelletier, 84, of Salem, Missouri, passed away from this life at home on February 17, 2026. Rae will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her sister, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
Born April 29, 1941, in Old Town, Maine, Rae was the first child of Raymond F. Pelletier and Hilda M. (Poirier) Pelletier. She graduated salutatorian of John Bapst High School in Bangor, Maine, in 1959. At 19, she was united in marriage to Bernard D. Sirois, and together they were blessed with four children: Hilda, Kathleen, Bernard Jr., and Julie.
Rae began her career working for the City of Old Town. After raising her children through high school, she returned to the University of Maine and earned her Master’s Degree in Education at the age of 47, a reflection of her determination and lifelong love of learning.
She went on to teach in several coastal Maine communities, including Machias, Camden, Boothbay Harbor, and Portland. Rae was very involved in children’s theatre and taught passionately about social justice for Native Americans, South Africans, and Holocaust survivors. These programs engaged the children into social learning and fundraising for the causes they were studying and made the local newspapers on several occasions.
Rae also wrote several grants that funded new computers and library renovations for schools. She organized book fairs and even traveled all over the state of Maine to bring books to schools without libraries. She firmly believed that if you could teach a child to read, you could change their life, and she dedicated her career to doing exactly that.
In 2003, Rae moved to Salem, Missouri, to be closer to her growing family. There, she continued her work as a school librarian at Oak Hill and Dent-Phelps and later taught English at Salem Middle School, where she was affectionately known as “Miss P.” Even after retirement, she treasured running into former students in the community.
Rae’s two greatest passions were her family and books. She read literally thousands over her lifetime. She had a gift for matching children with stories that sparked their imagination and love of reading. Outside of teaching, she enjoyed cooking, sewing, and knitting.
She faithfully attended her grandchildrens' school activities and events, cheering them on as they grew. In her later years, nothing brought her more joy than holding and being entertained by her seven great-grandchildren. Being surrounded by children was her greatest happiness, and the legacy she leaves through them, and through the countless students she inspired, will never be forgotten. All who knew Rae knew what a kind-hearted, generous, and gentle soul she was.
Rae was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond F. and Hilda M. Pelletier; her brother, Edward True Payson; and her daughter, Hilda “Heidi” Crane.
She is survived by her sister, Hilda Pelletier of Morrisville, PA; her children Kathleen Sirois of Salem, MO, Dr. Bernard D. Sirois, Jr. & wife Dr. Michelle of Salem, MO, and Julie Sirois of Rolla, MO; her grandchildren Adam Knowles & wife Miracle of Rolla, MO, Dr. Taylor Sirois & wife Leah of Columbia, MO, Rachel Witt & husband Drew of Springfield, MO, Matthew Sirois & wife Emily of Rolla, MO, and Joshua Sirois of Chicago, IL; and her seven great-grandchildren — Jayna, Malachi, Cara, Alden, Avelynn, Elsie Rae, and Paisley — along with many nieces and nephews.
Rae’s Celebration of Life will be held March 7, 2026 at The Gathering Place at Grace Community Church in Salem from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with a meal to follow.
