Dear Friends,
It is with great shock and sadness that we tell you of the sudden passing of our beloved friend and colleague, Rachel Stornant. Rachel passed away on July 2nd, 2010, as a result of unknown causes. She touched us all with her vibrant and generous spirit and we will miss her dearly.
At this time, we do not have any information regarding a memorial service, but will make every attempt to keep you informed.
We all could learn a thing or two from Rachel; She was one of the most generous friends I will ever have. She'd give you the shirt off her back and her last $5 if you needed it. She was fearless and always up for a good adventure. She loved all creatures, big and small and if she could have rescued every animal that needed rescuing, she would have.
Her upbeat attitude, cheery outlook, remarkable talent on the stage or in the kitchen, sincerity, warmth, kindness and overflowing generosity will be missed tremendously. (Rena Urso-Trapani)
Dear friends,
Rachel's beloved cats, Jack and Hannah, are URGENTLY in need of a new home. At the moment, they are at the Detroit branch of the Michigan Humane Society. (313 872-3400)
Hannah is a senior white and black short hair domestic, and Jack is an adult grey long-haired domestic. Jack is somewhere between 7-10 yrs old. Both are neutered/spayed, with shots and claws.
Unfortunately most no-kill shelters are full since this is kitten season. If you could even foster one or both of these cats, please call
Una O'Riordan (503) 201-2566, Regina Cooper (586) 201-0185, or Brandy Hudelson (517) 712-1345 ASAP.
Jack the cat!
Donations in honor of Rachel can be directed to:
The American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals.
Goto: www.aspca.org
Donate →Honor Gift →Memorial Gift
Fill out form and have ecard sent to
KStornant@aol.com
Feel free to share your feelings and thoughts using the comment button below.
The world is a darker place today.
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOD.... I cannot believe this! She is too young.... Rachel was one of the person whom loved playing flute so much and the fun person I have ever met. I miss Rachel.... I am sure she will be playing flute heavenly up there. I wished I could have seen her one more time.
ReplyDeleteI was really impressed with Rachel when I first met her. What a vibrant,can do attitude. Her personality sparkled and her creative spirit amazing. She will be missed.
ReplyDeleteYour's was a unique, energetic, and loving spirit...and you will be dearly missed.
ReplyDeleteRachel was such a generous soul with an adventurous spirit. She traveled the world and was an incredibly talented & amazing flutist and piccoloist. She was thrilled to have tenure in Kalamazoo and was excited to be nominated to the orchestra committee. She loved animals, especially her cats and dog. I love you Rachel!
ReplyDeleteWhat sad news. My condolences to her family and dear friends. What a tragic loss.
ReplyDeleteI never had a laughless moment with Rachel. She was truly one of a kind and a great friend to me. I will miss her wit and of course her sass! I will miss our talks and most especially our laughs.
ReplyDeleteI was so shocked and saddened by the news.
ReplyDeleteShe will be greatly missed. Rachel was a talented and friendly person that I was enjoying getting to know.
I will miss talking shoes with her at rehearsals. Rachel was a talent and joyful spirit who will be missed by me and her colleagues at the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.
ReplyDeleteI knew Rachel from our tenures in Kalamazoo and am shocked and heartbroken to hear of her passing. We partied and laughed together and I'll never forget her spirit, warmth, and kindness. And her Lady Gaga obsession. It's a sad, tragic day indeed. Rest peacefully, Rachel. - Jon Kretschmer
ReplyDeleteRachel was one of the funniest people I have ever met. I will never forget her hospitality...or her cat tricks. The flute world has suffered a major loss, but that is nothing compared to the deficit of the human race.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrible sad and tragic news!
ReplyDeleteI will miss you, your warmth heart, generous friendship and your talents...
Please rest in peace!
i'm shocked and saddened.. . there are people in the world that just knowing they are out there BEING gives comfort and security. rachel was/is one of them. speechless.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tragic loss ... she was so talented
ReplyDeleteI loved her playing, her spirit, her sense of humor .. and those shoes!
We will all miss her ...
a ray of sunshine lost to the world.
ReplyDeleteRachel, your ability to be light and humorful allowed me to chuckle heartily during a time in my life when laughter wasn't second nature for me. I'll carry this light into my relationships - in your honor......
ReplyDeletexo
What a shock...
ReplyDeleteRest in piece.
On behalf of the 80,000 musicians of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada I offer my deepest sympathies to Rachel's friends and family. Rachel was beginning a new journey as a member of her orchestra committee. She attended union orchestra seminars and was an active participant and eager to learn.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great loss on many levels.
Gordon Stump, Local 5
Rachel was a true fashionista-- I loved talking with her about shoes, jewelry and favorite shops. She was a generous, kind person who would strike up a conversation with anyone and make you feel like her best friend. I didn't know her very well, but her absence on the planet leaves a hole in my heart. I will miss you, Rachel.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad to hear this news. I didn't know Rachel well, but always looked forward to seeing her at rehearsal because she was so cheerful and warm and always had something fun or interesting to say. I will miss her. My condolences to all of her dear friends, family, and colleagues who are coping with this loss.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to Rachel's family and many friends.
ReplyDeleteRachel helped me in San Francisco, due to my being ill. She carted me to appointments, brought joy with her smile, brought me all my favorite foods and climbed the four flights of stairs to my apartment (in high heels) and never complained. She endeared herself to all of my neighbors and one night played her flute for all of us on the roof - overlooking the San Francisco Bay. It was magical and remains one of my special moments.
Often the art of compassion and humanity is lost but not to Rachel. She taught me with her attitude, smile and passion.
In the arms of the Angel's Rachel.
Linda
Rachel was a beautifully talented flute player with an eternally positive attitude. We will miss her.
ReplyDeleteI am stunned to hear this. I hadn't seen Rachel in years, not since we were in school together at Peabody. My heart goes out to all those who were closest to her. And my blessings as her spirit finds its way on.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tragic, untimely loss! We are all the poorer. My condolences to her family -- I can't imagine how difficult this must be for them. Rest in peace, Rachel.
ReplyDelete-whw.
A formidable talent with a generous spirit and oceans of compassion. This world was not good enough for her. RIP, dear Rachel...
ReplyDeleteI only met her once, at a master class with Sharon Sparrow & Jeff Zook last year, but her lively and colorful personality, her beautiful flute playing, and, yes, her flashy shoes all captivated me.
ReplyDeleteRachel:
ReplyDeleteYou were so intelligent, witty, naughty, irreverant, adventurous and who are you kidding, a cheap date ;-). I learned a million important things from you. You're generosity and restless curiosity was second to none. I will never know another Rachel.
We didn't end on the best note, because we were both stubborn as hell, but I loved you. I know you're in your Daddy's arms now and I wish you peace, friend.
Love you,
Brookie
This news has shocked and saddened me a lot... Her family are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThis news comes to me with extreme sadness. I knew and worked with Rachel for 2 years. From the very first rehearsal i knew what a talent and lively spirit she was. Hands down, one of the most supportive, favorable, non-competitive flutists/colleagues i have ever worked with. In the music world, this is not always the case..... Her spirit and soul was as big as her smile , and as big as her Piccolo playing:)... She truly made playing in KSO such a joy. Always fresh and fun!!! She taught me to be more gutsy and free-spirited and inspired me to try new things. Rachel. I will miss you more than ever and i promise your spirit will live on!! My heart sincerely goes out to her mother and other family and close friends.
ReplyDeleteI cannot express how grateful I am for all the thoughts and prayers everyone has been sending. I have lost the sunshine of my life. It is difficult to get up every morning and realize that I will never see Rachel again. She was my everything. Most of your comments are exactly as I remember her; smiling, always ready for an adventure, her love of animals and her shoes. My heart is broken. Thank you for caring about my wonderful, talented daughter.
ReplyDeleteRachel played Rameau with us in 2006. She's playing piccolo on this recording:
ReplyDeletehttp://analogartsensemble.net/media/Tambourin%20en%20Rondeau.mp3
This is incredibly sad news.
Jodru: What a great clip! Thanks for sharing. Everyone: cut and paste this into your browser..Rachel sounds great.
ReplyDeleteOthers, please send me audio and video clips and I'll post on the blog!
Thanks!
Jeff Zook
jzook@aol.com
http://www.sleepinginairports.net/list.asp?did=2816
ReplyDeletedear Rachel...
ReplyDeletewhen I met you a few years ago at Jeff Zook's house I knew I had found a kindred spirit. We shared a love of animals, shoes, fashion, mid century design, scavenger hunting on craigslist, travel, and of course, loehmann's and the anthropologie sale rack. I look around my home and almost every decorating decision was discussed with you. Your creativity inspired me and your kindness lifted my spirits when I was down. You taught me the importance of a mojo bracelet. I will miss your wit, especially the hilarious facebook commentary. I am so very sad that you are gone, but so thankful to have known you.
love always
u.
What a horrible tragedy: the loss of such a sensible and saavy woman with so much charisma and who was also such an interesting friend!! How could this have happened? Truly a shame.
ReplyDeleteDave Lonkevich
I'm sad I won't get to see my cousin at Christmas like we planned. It had been such a long time and I was looking forward to our reunion so much. I will always think of her beautiful smile and carefree personality with such loving intent in her heart. She was a truly wonderful soul. God Bless her and all always.
ReplyDeleteRachel was a person full of life and very generous.I met her when I was in Peabody school of music and I have a wonderful memory of her.I hope her soul is now flying with angels.
ReplyDeleteBertrand from France
Hi does anyone have Rachels mom's address n phone so we can send a card? My wife, Jewel, is an old friend of hers from Michigan. So tragic and unbelievable. Rachel was so loving, genuine, generous and one of the rare gems we so rarely find in another human. If anyone has any info on a service or where we can send $$ to help offset costs please contact us adawg67@yahoo.com. 805-890-9725. Thanks Adriane Carrier and Jewel Willard.
ReplyDeleteI did not really know Rachel well, but I am saddened for her friends, family, and the flute community.
ReplyDeleteThoughts and Prayers to all close to her.
beautiful rachel, was there anyone who didn't look forward to seeing you, whether for work or for play? lord knows, work always involved some form of play, whether it was a new pair of amazing shoes that might not have QUITE been up to the dress code, or just a knowing look at the right moment to make someone smile or laugh. you were such a generous and open spirit...i wish you peace while missing your presence. xoxo
ReplyDeleteDear Stornantay,
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of you I think of laughter and our wonderful times together. I remember your stories, and how you could have the whole room roaring and crying with laughter. I'll never forget cooking with you, dining with you, shopping with you, doggie dates and our long talks on the phone. I'll never forget the courageousness with which you lived your life. You are truly an example to all of us to follow your heart and live deeply. You will be remembered by all for the way you could light up a room, and I will remember you for the way you lit up my life. There's a special place in my heart for you forever and I'm gonna miss you like crazy, girl.
All my love,
Brandy
I also did not know Rachel well. But she played for me a while back in preparation for an audition. I liked her immediately, and was very impressed with her playing - so much like her, expressive and large but with great attention to detail. We had a very fun 2 hours together. Even knowing her so briefly, it's difficult to believe that she is gone. So I can't imagine how hard it must be for those of you close to her. My heart goes out to all of you, but most especially to Rachel's mother. You are truly living every mother's worst nightmare, and I send you special love and healing wishes.
ReplyDeleteI was so sad and shocked to hear this news! Rachel and I lived in Hamtramack as room mates when we attended Wayne State together. She was a wild and crazy girl and will be missed!!! I still cant believe it! Hugs and kisses to her mom and her many many friends! Julie Romines McManus
ReplyDeleteI only met Rachel a few times, but was always impressed with her positive attitude and her kind, joyful spirit. She really did challenge you to be a better person, without being threatening or judgmental. She was just a damn good person and a fantastic piccolo player. I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to know her better. She will be missed.
ReplyDelete-Jenny Bouton
I am still in shock and so sad that this has happened. Rachel was truly one of a kind in the most special way! She was always there for me (and for everyone!). I couldn't have had any sort of teaching studio last year without her help, and I never would have set up a website w/out her! I loved every minute with her! I remember what a joy it was to see her with her Mom in Venice last year!! Rachel had such a generous soul and vivacious spirit! She couldn't walk into a room without lighting it up. And she always made everyone around her feel special and good. Every time she came to my house, if my teenagers were here, she'd tell them how great they were, or how handsome my son was! This was really special for them. I will miss her SO VERY MUCH!! I will never forget you, Rachel.
ReplyDeletexoxoxo sharon
Racehl was the successor of my position with The Kalamazoo Symphony. I was very glad to hear that such a wonderful person was joining the orchestra. I knew everyone would love her. She always had a great spirit about her and a great character. So sorry to hear this sad news.
ReplyDeleteThis is a painful loss. Rachel helped to change the Southeast Michigan Flute Association to become what it is today. A vibrant, thriving non-profit, a gift to the regional flute community. Through her service to our board and to our website, newsletter and annual festival, Rachel served selflessly. I appreciated her helpful spirit and unending will. I am truly sorry for her family and friends and I hope, on behalf of SEMFA, that we can come together for a fitting tribute. Please let me know what I can do to help in our flute community.
ReplyDeleteAmy Porter
Rachel...I cannot believe that I will never see you again. I miss you so much. You lit up every room you entered. You were a shining star, and your passion for life - and music - was absolutely contagious. Every time I got the chance to play with you I learned something - about music, about playing the flute with courage, about shoes...or just how to be the best person I can be. I know I'm not alone - all of us whose lives you touched are so much poorer now. You're an inspiration to all of us, and I hope we can do you proud. I will never forget you.
ReplyDeleteAll my thoughts to Rachel's family and friends. I had the pleasure to meet her when I first came to the US, and could spend wonderful moments with her, either at work or with friends, and always laugh! We miss you, Rachel, your music, your character...but I feel like your spirit is still with us and teaches us both how not to take ourselves so seriously and to enjoy life as much as we can. Love, Rachel ♥
ReplyDeleteRachel was a terrific talent and a delightful colleague. Her wit, shoes and amiability were a breath of fresh air, and we all miss her very very much, already.
ReplyDeleteThis is truly the saddest news. Rachel was a lovely, vivacious person, and a terrific flautist. On tour with the KSO she was fun, funny, and a totally committed artist.
ReplyDeleteWe shall truly miss her, the energy and rhythmic vitality of her playing reflected the enthusiasm with witch she lived. A rare person indeed.
Rachel and I met at Peabody, but we really got to know each other playing countless wedding and party gigs together. As we drove all over Maryland to various event sights, Rachel always guided us to the best boutiques, gourmet shops and shoe stores where we would blow all of our cash from the day's gigs. I have a closet full of clothes and shoes bought with Rachel's expert style advice!
ReplyDeleteI will never forget her boundless energy and determination to create opportunities for herself and others. It is hard to accept that she is gone.
Rachel, I miss you, my friend.
Love,
Debbie Cornelius
I am so shocked to hear that Rachel passed away! She had been my flute teacher for the past two years. Through this time she became more like the older sister I never had. It wasn't hard not to instantly be drawn in by her fun-loving and unique personality. During our lessons you could tell instantly just how passoniate she was about the flute. She always encouraged me to be a better player through her entertaining stories about her own misfortunes while teaching. My mother loved her too and is very sad. They always talked about their common ethnicities together. She was a good person all around and her presence will never be forgotten! I Love You Rachel!!!!
ReplyDeleteSamantha Cohen aka
I am so sad and shocked. I met Rachel for the first time at the AFM symposium in Toledo at the end of May. My condolences and healing wishes to her family and close friends. I know she will be missed musically and personally by so many.
ReplyDeleteNathan Kahn
AFM Symphonic Services Division
Last night when I learned of Rachel's death I was crushed. My daughter Samantha and I are in Italy now, a trip Rachel was so enthusiastic about us taking together. We have been crying on and off through the night and although Rachel would not want us to cry, she so deserved our love and admiration. Why the world was robbed of such a glowing light of love, joy, compassion for animals and a beautiful spirit, we will never know. She already felt like family to us and we loved having her in our home. We were looking forward to preserving our friendship with her for many years. Out hearts go out to her mom, whom she spoke of so lovingly. What a temendous loss...the sound of her flute was something out of heaven. We shall never forget her.
ReplyDeleteAntoinette Maceri
It's clear she touched an amazing number of lives!
ReplyDeleteI feel like I've been punched in the gut. I hadn't really seen Rachel after Peabody except for a few auditions. I had been meaning to get back in touch with her, and now it's too late...Rachel's persona was just like her flute playing - big, beautiful, and passionate. I'll never forget the way she rocked Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra...She had the ability to make me laugh like no one else in undergrad, and she was always very encouraging to me. I was so happy to see that she was doing well in Kalamazoo...Rachel, I love you and you will be missed!!!
ReplyDeleteI did not have the pleasure of meeting Rachel. I
ReplyDeleteknow her mother, Kathy, who is a wonderful
person. I am sure that Rachel was blessed with those same qualities. We are, all, praying for
both Kathy and Rachel and will be there when ever
she needs our assistance...... at any time!
Rach: who could rock a sassy bob and red lips like nobody's business;
ReplyDelete-who knew the importance of rewarding yourself with a great pair of shoes;
-who could, and did, nurse an animal back to health - more than once;
-who, while awakening from anesthesia after a procedure, when asked by the nurse whether she wanted water or juice answered, "Merlot;"
-who might casually suggest going out dancing for your birthday - to Chicago;
-who thought nothing of packing up her belongings and her babies and moving to Baltimore, or Mexico, or Oregon, or Portugal, or California, or wherever (and had very well adjusted pets as a result);
-whose sensitivity and depth of feeling were totally evident in her playing;
-who requested that her Hello Kitty lipstick be re-applied as soon as possible after her gallbladder surgery;
-who brought a two foot high Aerobed, down-filled mattress topper, laptop with DVDs, iphone, ipod and speakers, wine, a variety of gourmet cheeses and crackers, the latest in thermal wicking undergarments, and a pork roast stuffed with apples and dried cherries...to a two-day camping trip.
Generous to a fault. Absolutely fearless. Beautiful inside and out. A walking, breathing lesson on living with passion. That is the Rachel I have known and loved for nearly 30 years. I love you, my friend, and I miss you something fierce.
Reg
I haven't seen or talked to Rachel in more than 20 years. However, when I found out that she had passed, I was immediately saddened. I then took a moment to travel down Memory Lane. She and I were friends way back in high school for a bit. We lived in the same neighborhood for a while and we spent a vacation together in Florida with my family one summer. I am so happy to have known her and so sad that she is now gone. After having read the other posts, I will forever more regret, not taking better care of a friendship from my youth that I believe would have been a blessing to have in my life as an adult. My prayers are with her family.
ReplyDeleteThere is much truth in the saying that people cross paths for a reason. While I cannot say I have had the pleasure of knowing Rachel for years as many can boast, each comment is a true testament of the "Glam Gal"~ a.k.a. Rachel.
ReplyDeleteI was honored to hear her play her beautiful music, meet her family and friends, and to have shared stories and memorable laughs together. My prayers are with her family and friends. May Rachel's legacy of compassion, love, courage, generosity, passion for animals, and robust personality continue to thrive through us all.
With our paths crossing, Rachel has shown me to how to be a better person and I am forever grateful. Thank you, Rachel, for showing us ALL how to be better people...God Bless Always.
xxoo Danielle
My daughter Abby has taken flute lessons from Rachel for the past two years and we just got a call today from the Northville Middle School Teacher that Rachel had passed away. Our entire family is devastated by this news. We all adored Rachel. She was supposed to be at our house for a lesson last week but in typical Rachel style, she wanted to move the lesson because some new exciting adventure had enveloped her for that week. When she would come to our house for Abby's hour lesson, it would always last at least 2 hours as she would tell stories, gift Abby with new flute stuff, play with our pets, etc. etc. My daughter has lost an amazing flute teacher and a musical mentor. Our entire family has lost that bit of explosive sunshine that would come into our house each week and make the day brighter and funnier. Our hearts go out to her family and friends. Our prayers are with all of you.
ReplyDeleteThe Henning Family
Steve, Amy, Abby and Becky
I will miss Rachel's humor, kindness, adventurous spirit, and her immense creativity in both her music and her life. I remember the time I was playing duets with Rachel in a classroom and we got kicked out for the next class that was starting. Rachel's solution wasn't to stop playing duets, since there were no other rooms available, but to go play them in the bathroom in the art building.
ReplyDeleteMiss you, Rachel -
K
What an incredibly sad loss to the world, I haven't seen Rachel in 20 years, but I still remembered her vibrant, hilarious personality that filled the long bus rides for band trips to Florida and Toronto. She made people laugh, occasionally grossed us out but her friendship was honest and real. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her from both her past and present. I know she will take her place with the Angels and serenade us with her flute on the wind. You will be missed Rachel by me and my family.
ReplyDeleteAngelica Labadie (nee Rossi)
This whole week funny thoughts of Rachel keep popping into my head. We once talked of combining our shared love of animals & opening a petsitting service and at a totally inopportune moment at work the other day I heard her in my head saying, "Yeah! We could offer lavender-scented butt wipes for the dogs!" and I burst out giggling...and something about how her "blood-hummus content (BHC)" was way too high after playing in Israel. She was always the character & always there to offer a helping hand.. Like Debbie said, I remember all the dozens & dozens of gigs we did, driving all over Maryland & always stopping for gourmet cupcakes or French chocolates at some out-of-the-way nook she always managed to find. I have fond memories of dogsitting Scarlet & hope she & the kitties are adjusting to the loss.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest sympathies to her family.
Samantha Hegre
Rachel was a wonderful, compassionate person and a fine musician. We loved to share stories about rescuing animals and.....shoes! Rachel always had on a pair of the coolest shoes and could tell you just where to go to buy them. Rachel, the world is definitely a less colorful place without you. You will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteDearist Rachel,
ReplyDeleteAlthough we had only reconnected the past couple of years I had always remembered you as a talented young flutist - a delight to have as a student. I never forgot you and always hoped you were well and happy. I am sorry you are gone and am saddened we could not have spent more time together as friends and colleagues.
I hope you are finally at peace.
Carol
I remember Rachel as I would a member of our family. She was a student
ReplyDeleteof mine many years ago at Wayne State University and subsequently
worked for our company in many capacities, even if she was just in town
for a short visit. I also remember her as a fine flute flutist who sat
next to me in the Detroit Symphony on several occasions when she subbed
with the orchestra. Rachel was a whirlwind. She was always off on a new
adventure. As a professional flutist, she performed with many
orchestras in many places and played principal on several of her stops.
Her zest for new adventures carried her everywhere. She played in
Oregon, Florida, Mexico, and Portugal, to name a few places. She also
managed a number of musical ensembles during her various escapades.
When Rachel visited us she always came in the house wearing that big
eternal smile that is unforgettable. She nearly always brought a gift
for someone, one of our grandchildren, our dog Spanky, and even yours
truly. I remember her showing up one afternoon with a new and exciting
balsamic vinaigrette she had discovered. She presented it to me
describing its wonderful virtues and absolute superiority. A few
minutes later the two of us were in the kitchen making a huge salad for
everyone to try. She was a great chef! When Rachel was around, things
happened. She was a high energy person who always brought freshness and
excitement to every day. She made everyone feel as if they were
participating in an event. I miss her. God bless and keep you Rachel.
-Ervin Monroe
It has been a week since I got this horrible news about Rachel's passing.I tried to post a comment on Tuesday, but I just couldn't do it. I still have a very intense feeling of loss. I literally could not do anything for 2 days but think about her. I couldn't play my flute. Something feels so terribly wrong and out of harmony.I was very close friends with her until about 6 years ago when we drifted apart because of the business of life and its changes. I was so proud of her accomplishments and the wonderful person she had become. I never ever heard her say an unkind word about anyone, I never witnessed a lie...just a generous spirit, a well-meaning spirit. We had many long late night talks about her goals, dreams, frustrations, and the mysteries of life with its twists and turns. I knew her since 1993. I feel it is a tragedy when someone so full of life and generous in spirit leaves this world so suddenly and unexpectedly right when she was falling into her own pace with her life's dream of being a musician. She was dramatic in life and sadly it now appears also in death...a dramatic exit. I pray her spirit is not suffering. I know in my heart that this can't possibly be what she wanted as she had so much to live for and so much to look forward to. I wish I had known my last conversation with her, not that long ago was the last...I hope she knew how much I admired her positive spirit. How everyone that knew her admired her talent and strength of spirit. I think it would have made her very happy to feel loved and appreciated. I personally think she often craved to know that. I'll never forget her calling me after she was attacked by a raccoon (thinking it was a cat she reached down to pet it)and was still able to be humorous after returning from her rabies shots. I'd have been a basket case, but she just put on a happy tone and a happy face and I never once heard her complain about anything. I'd hear her over the years discuss things and make comments of concern and frustration, but I never heard her complain or whine or feel sorry for herself. She had strength and determination to pursue life and make the most of what she had. She honored her talent and got to work on what she needed to do. She loved music, food, animals, cloths(coveted my Bandolino heels) Even in the difficult times of her life I wonder if she was aware of how strong she was. She'd ask me for advice sometimes all those years ago and I'd reply..."Are you kidding me...you are asking me for advice? Are you *&^&%%^ crazy? Go look in the mirror Rachel and tell me what you see behind those eyes" And she'd laugh. As time passed she grew into a more confident and self-reliant person as time went on and I was so happy, even years later at a distance hearing of her increasing accomplishments. I am honored to have been part of her walk on this Earth. I will continue to pray for her as she enters the spiritual world. Whatever her faults or weaknesses, I don't care...the joy, the happiness, the gift of harmony she brought to so many of us far outweigh anything. She was human and I feel she embraced the blessings given to her in the best way she knew how. I'd worry because she had a very bad habit, and I'd warn her too...about burning the candle at both ends. Maybe on some level she knew she had only so much time...because she did push herself to exhaustion many times. I will never forget her...she really was like a little sister to me. It didn't matter how much time passed, when we'd see each other at NFA, it was like time never happened. No more roads Rachel, now turn to peace. I just can't believe it. So very, very sad.
ReplyDelete-Catherine Thompson
I am here to celebrate Rachel's life and mourn with this community of people who loved her. I'm really enjoying reading all of your stories and memories--thank you all for sharing as we try to cope with this tremendous loss.
ReplyDeleteShalom.
Debbie Cornelius
I just found out today of this great loss and I cried and cried. I only knew Rachel for this last year and she made such a difference. She was the most amazing flute teacher I will ever have. I was so previleged to be one of her students. I really will miss her bold personality and her liveliness. Flute lessons were always so much fun!
ReplyDeleteWhen I played in a children's flute choir at the DSO this spring, Rachel just marched right up the steps after rehersal and took me backstage to meet all of her DSO friends and Maestro Slatkin.
I've learned so much from her in such a short period of time. She has taught me so much and has really given me a great start in learning to play flute. Rachel was an amazing flutist, and I loved her playing for me during our lessons. I also loved hearing stories about her dog, her mom, and her crazy adventures.
I'll really miss you Rachel
Mary Catherine McLaughlin,age 12
I am finally to the point where I can accept the fact that I won't see Rachel again. I don't like it, but I can believe that it might be true.
ReplyDeleteEvery day I pass a small oil painting that's hanging on a wall in my house. It's folk art from Africa, and it's a picture of a lion attacking a tribesman. The other tribesmen have all climbed trees to be away from the attack, but a little dog is right there with the man
under attack and the little dog is doing its best to fight off the lion. The caption under the picture reads: "In times of hardship,
friends are few." Every day when I pass this painting, I think again of Rachel. She was always a great companion, but she was the very best companion when times were tough. She accompanied me on many trade shows. She was one of the best Road Warriors I knew. When we were trapped in a DC hotel due to a snow storm, she introduced me to on line shopping. When we were stuck between exits and were both starving, she
magically produced a wonderful sandwich out of random ingredients she found in a cooler in the back of our van. When I thought I'd miss my flight and would have to sleep at the airport, she carefully explained how she carved a comfortable sleeping arrangement for herself (and her dog!) at an airport with no harassment from security. No problem was too big or too small for Rachel to come up with a creative solution. She was simply the best when times were tough. I love her and miss her a lot already. I can't imagine how much I'll miss her the next time I need one of her creative solutions. Take care in the next life, Rachel. I'm sure we'll meet again there. I'll look for those awesomely beautiful eyes and that light-up-a-room smile. Susan Monroe
Rachel was a shining light in every room, on every stage, and in everyone's heart that knew her. Hopefully all of us can remember those times when she made us laugh so hard it hurt...her incredibly generous, loving spirit...her gorgeous, contagious smile. None of our lives will be the same without her. I feel incredibly lucky to have had her touch my life.
ReplyDeleteRachel, I hope you now truly & deeply know how much you are loved.
ReplyDeleteDiamonds last forever and I sense with the popularity of this blog, you will too!
stories stories and songs and lots of hilariousnesses!
you have always cracked me up and will continue to make me snicker whenever I think of stuff youve said and done... and the brilliant,(and sometime above my head) commentary you run and alwatys your so very unique perspective.
Even when you were handling some heavy stuff, which seemed like often in this life of yours. But your humor and your perseverance never failed!
unforgetable!
and many times indescribable.
a fascinating character and a dear friend...
I hope you are getting laid by copious amounts of hunky lads who were probably waiting for you over there on the other side of the pearly gates.
Huneey, Georgeous!
and turkeeee. and your last status on fb... you killed it! I have been reading all your status,so classic. I'm sure missing you on there already. soooo boring without you. I loved the wacked stuff you wrote.
& thank de goddess you made that video of Scarlet on the treadmill, cuz its histerical and I get to hear your voice. Im reaaaalllllyyy gonna miss your one of a kind voice, no one really sounds like you woman! boo.
I so miss you already.
and I do feel a little sad that whatever took you in that last chapter I am sorry I wasnt there for you more.
love you sistah
Dear friends,
ReplyDeleteRachel's beloved cats, Jack and Hannah, are URGENTLY in need of a new home. At the moment, they are at the Detroit branch of the Michigan Humane Society. (313 872-3400)
Hannah is a senior white and black short hair domestic, and Jack is an adult grey long-haired domestic. Jack is somewhere between 7-10 yrs old. Both are neutered/spayed, with shots and claws.
Unfortunately most no-kill shelters are full since this is kitten season. If you could even foster one or both of these cats, please call
Una O'Riordan (503) 201-2566, Regina Cooper (586) 201-0185, or Brandy Hudelson (517) 712-1345 ASAP.
It's breaking my heart that the cats don't have a home! If I was in MI I would foster them. I'm putting the word out on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI sat behind Rachel in 7th grade history class... funny how back then I thought she was a "weird girl" and how could she know anything? Looking back almost 30 years, it amazes me how much she already knew about life and love. Most spend a lifetime looking for it, she spent a lifetime GIVING IT!
ReplyDeleteI have not seen her or spoken to her for over 20 years, yet remember her like it was yesterday.
Thank you for the life of Rachel.
We have missed Rachel greatly this year...wish we could have been with her during her time of need so her smile and amazing talent could still be with us all.
ReplyDeleteWhere are you Rachel?
ReplyDeleteTwo years later and just heard the news.
ReplyDeleteRachel and I went to school together. We were on the cheerleading team together at Fuhrmann Junior High.
She had the most amazing eyes.
I marvel at all she accomplished and all the lives she touched. She was always so sweet.
Years ago, I heard that her father passed away and that she was devistated--of course she would be. It sounds like she was able to pick up the pieces and move forward into a full life of music, friends, travel and beauty. She sounds like someone I would hang out with now. Sad that I didn't get the chance to know her as an adult.
I am so very sorry for your loss, Kathy...you are in my thoughts and prayers on this sad, sad anniversary.
Kathy Solomon