LymeLine.com

Community News for Lyme and Old Lyme, CT

Death Announced of Clare M. Rayder, Wife of Lyme-Old Lyme HS Teacher Bill Rayder

by

OLD SAYBROOK — Clare M. Rayder, 61, of Oyster Point Rd., died Tuesday June 27, 2023 with her family by her side.

Mrs. Rayder is survived by her husband William and daughters Julia, Meghan and Brigid Rayder.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 10:00am in St. John Church in Old Saybrook.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023 from 4:00 until 6:00pm in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Ln., Old Lyme, CT …

Visit this link to read the full obituary published by Hartford Courant on Jun. 30, 2023.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I remember Bill Rayder on the first day of his job at Mile Creek School in 1972 when he was 23 and I was in second grade. We didn’t know what to think of Bill with his outlandish yet loving persona. He was wearing Rayban aviator sunglasses and I remember asking his age. The kids fell in love with Bill. I also remember meeting Clare after after Bill had gone through a few challenging years and he said, “I’m really happy”. He was renewed. Bill always has a positive thing to say about everyone. In our senior year we hung a bunch of sheets with slogans on the telephone wires and the vice principal was convinced that I made the most derogatory one, so Bill suggested that he put a toilet in the middle of the parking lot with my name on it. I had a lot of problems, but Mr. Rayder always gave me an authentic hug and let me know that I was alright.

    Bill, the last time I saw you was the only time I met Clare and I’m sorry for your loss. I had no idea that you had three more children. I know a counselor who is a lot like you and the same age who recently lost a son at the age of 36 due to cancer. With tears in his eyes he says, “I choose to think that I had him for 36 years, rather than I lost him at such a young age”. Clare also left you with three beautiful daughters whom you can love all the more. I know this congregation elder who says,” God reads hearts” and you have a love for humanity. I will always love you Mr. Rayder, even though I haven’t seen you in over 30 years.