PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Biagina (Jean) Rachiele passed away peacefully on her 85th birthday, February 3, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.  

She was born on February 3, 1934, in Serra San Bruno, Calabria, Italy. She was the beloved wife of Raffaele Rachiele for 63 years, and wonderful homemaker, devoted mother and loving Nana.

She is survived by her husband, Raffaele Rachiele; their four children, Theresa Cahalan, Nancy Cowdrey (Terry), Sam Rachiele (Michelle), and Michael Rachiele, (Rose); seven grandchildren, Krystina, Taylor, Ryan, Matthew, Brendon, Austin, and Gianna; and four great-grandchildren.  

The family would like to thank the staff on the orthopedic unit at BMC for their outstanding and compassionate care. A very special thank you to Dr. Rohm and Sally Chavarry for all of their support. We are also grateful for the loving care she received from her health care aides; Kristi, Ana, Michaela, Tori, and Kayla, who always went above and beyond.

Funeral notice: Calling hours will be Friday, February 8, 2019, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Services will be Saturday, February 9, 2019, at 8 a.m. from the funeral home with a Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at 9 a.m. at St. Mark's Church, 400 West St. Pittsfield, MA with the Rev. Christopher Fedoryshyn, Administrator, officiating.  

Burial will follow in the family plot in St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested for the Alzheimer's Association in care of the funeral home.