Rachael Nivens Cecchetti

Rachael Nivens Cecchetti  passed away in her home in Sonoma on Wednesday, November 4th, surrounded by her family. She was 64.

Rachael was born in Oakland to Doris Perrone and Richard Nivens. After graduating Skyline High School, she pursued a BA degree in English at Santa Clara University. At SCU, she participated in their international program, coordinated by Loyola Chicago in Rome, Italy. There, she got to know a fellow student from SCU and fell in love. Rachael married Roy Cecchetti in 1981 and created a wonderful life in Sonoma. Their daughter Alessandra was born in 1987 and made their family complete.

Friendly and energetic, Rachael stood out in any crowd. She was a gracious lady who warmly welcomed you with a hug. She was a devoted and caring friend.  Roy was the love of her life and Ali was her joy. When her grandsons arrived, her heart was full. Rachael was happiest being a wife, mother and nonna.

Rachael is survived by her husband, Roy, their daughter, Alessandra (Konstantins), and grandsons, Nikolai and Aleksandr.  She is also survived by her father, Richard Nivens, and her sister, Lindsay Nivens-Frosini (Gino, dec.), and sister in law,  Nancy (Don) Sebastiani. She was a dear  Zia to her niece and many nephews. Rachael is predeceased by her mother, Doris.

Services for the family will be held on Wednesday, November 17th at St Francis Solano Church, Sonoma. Respecting Rachael’s wishes, the services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org.

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