NIANTIC, Conn. - Rachel (Rider) Ayer, 85, formerly of Terrace Avenue, passed way peacefully Saturday, July 24, 2010. Rachel was born May 5, 1925, in Brewer, daughter of Hartley and Vera Ward Rider. She married Clayton C. Ayer in Brewer; they were married for 42 years. Rachel graduated from Brewer High School in 1942, and Beal's Business College, Bangor. She was employed by several different companies as administrative secretary, WGY Radio Station, Footman's Dairy, Merchants National Bank, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and her husband's business, Ayer Building Contractor. Rachel served in many community activities, including East Lyme Nursing Association, Niantic Community Church School superintendent, Girl Scout leader, assistant librarian at LB Haynes School. She was a member of Se Beowulf, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Orrington, Women's Christian Service Association 50-plus, East Lyme Seniors and Niantic Community Church. She predeceased by her husband, Clayton C. Ayer, July 16, 1987; and by her partner of 12 years, John E. Bassett. Rachel is survived by her sister, Charlotte Shaughnessy of Brewer; and her children, Larry C. Ayer and his partner, Larene Fatone, of Niantic, Conn., Scott E. Ayer of Oakdale, Conn., and her daughter, Jan Ayer Cushing and her husband, Richard; her grandchildren, Clayton and Calvin Cushing; nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Ave., Niantic, Conn. Memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, July 29, at Niantic Community Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Niantic Community Church Accessibility Fund, something that was dear to Rachel's heart. For photos, tributes and more information, please visit www.fultontherouxniantic.com.