Lorraine “Rae” Dawe Wilson passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at the age of 91, in Saratoga Springs, New York, where she had resided for the past several years. Prior to that, she made her home for more than 30 years in Niskayuna, New York. 

Rae was born on August 30, 1934, in Albany, New York, the youngest of four daughters born to the Reverend Lorenzo Dawe of Cupid’s Bay, Newfoundland, and Beatrice (Feltham) Dawe of Deer Island, Newfoundland. She graduated from Classical High School in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1952, and went on to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst, graduating in 1956. While attending college, Rae was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, ski club and chorale’s club. A lifelong learner, Rae later earned her master’s degree in education from the University at Albany in 1979. She devoted more than 30 years of her life to teaching elementary education, a calling she pursued with passion, patience, and deep care for her students. 

Rae was married to David L. Wilson in a ceremony officiated by her father, Reverend Dawe, in Ipswich, Massachusetts. They shared 46 loving years of marriage, raised four children, and made their home in several New England communities before settling in Niskayuna, New York. 

She was a devoted member of the Niskayuna Reformed Church and the Mayfield Yacht Club. Rae loved skiing, sailing, gardening, and traveling, but her greatest joy was spending time at the ocean with her eight beloved granddaughters. Always up for an adventure, Rae was effortlessly kind and deeply loved by all who knew her. 

Rae was predeceased by her husband, David L. Wilson; her sisters Gwendolyn Mitchell, Vivian Mark, and Geri Mack; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law John Wilson and MaryJane Wilson Eicholzer. 

She is survived by her children: David Wilson Jr. (Katie) of Concord, Massachusetts; Peter Wilson of Medway, Massachusetts; Cynthia Ide (George) of Saratoga Springs, New York; and Matthew Wilson (Christa) of Clifton Park, New York. She is also survived by her eight granddaughters, Margaret, Kara, Annie, Madeline, Frances, Aubrey, Abby, and Sarah, and by her sister-in-law, Marilyn Wilson of Ipswich, Massachusetts. 

A private family burial will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery where Rae will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, David.

In her memory, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com