Ray and I met in the summer of 1986 while working for MASSPIRG. Some how, we were "selected" to run the Baltimore canvas operations...What a twist of fate. Because of the precious years I spent with Ray, I will always be a better (and somewhat more deranged) person. Mark, absolutely, she challenged you to be not only a better person, but the best you could be. More importantly, the most honest you could be. Rachel and I parted ways in 1988, but rarely a day went by that I did not think about her and hope for her happiness. We lived so many lives in such a short time. I am honored that I knew Ray for the time that was ours. We kept in touch until the late '90s, but every time we spoke, no time, no distance had passed. I will miss you my dear. Abazoo. Mark, thanks for letting me know- sorry I missed the tribute but was out of the country. (Mark does have BIG hair Rachel Pics if he chooses to post). KC A very old friend

Wow, I miss Rachel so much! I love reading everyone's rememberances and feelings. I have new thoughts and reminders about Rachel all the time. She was not just a positive person, but a positive force- she made everyone aorund her strive to be better, feel better, think better. She had not time for the bad stuff, she was too busy smiling. The smile! The Laugh! I thought it was so sweet that no matter what, she would always come over with something in hand- flowers, or usually champagne. Boy, we loved our champagne! That was her spririt of celebrating life- what the hell, let's drink champers. Why wait for special occasions. I remember taking her to her first professional ice hickey game at the Verizon Center a few years ago. She LOVED it! We were in nosebleed and she was on the edge of her seat, yelling out, clapping drinking beers and having so much fun. She was so childlike in her enthusiasm- so fresh and real. And her love of the people in her life- she shared her wonderful husband Michael with me and now he is a true blue friend forever. And, if by a little bit of fate, brought Mark to a party I had over Thanksgiving shortly before her passing- I like to think she introduced Mark into my life for a reason at that time. And Mark, you words and writing of Rachel are beautiful and so right on. I will try and post some photos too as I love looking at the ones people have already posted. We should get Michael on FB so he can see this site. I know Rachel would like this and would think this comforting for him and all her friends and family.

Rachel and I met the summer we were both 18-- we were immediate friends and had the great fortune of keeping the friendship alive for nearly 25 years.. Both of us moved around a lot, and on both coasts, so this wasn't easy.. In recent years, we vacationed together when we could-- most notably Belize and Panama in 06 and 08.. It is so difficult to put in to words the type of person that Rachel was, because, while we are all unique, she was more unique than anyone I've ever met. Everyone that met her seemed immedaitely drawn to her. She could make the most mundane task actually fun and never seemed to be in a bad mood unless she had good reason (then watch out!!) John, you hit the nail on the head in describing her eyes, it was as though the whole world was put there for her enjoyment, and when you were in her company you got to share a little bit of that wonder with her. Fiercely intelligent, stunningly beautiful, and a friend to anyone who needed one-- (especially animals). Her laugh alone could make me laugh to the point where we'd be laughing so hard she couldn't even get out what was so funny.. No one in my life has ever made me laugh like Rachel. And like Amelia said, everytime we'd see each other it was as though no time had passed at all, and we'd be laughing at things that happened 20 years ago as though they were yesterday... I don't know that I will ever miss anyone in my life as I miss Rachel, but at the same time, I am so grateful for the psitive energy she injectede into my life, that I can't help but look at my friendship with her as the most valuable gift I've ever received.. She told me once years ago that the secret to being happy in life was to just BE HAPPY-- even if you had to fake it at first, pretty soon you forget you're acting and you end up having a good time in spite of yourself, and it just becomes more and more natural... Pretty wise considering she was probably about 20 at the time.. Since her passing, I have taken some dramatic steps in my life to try and follow her example.. She enjoyed life more than anyone I've ever met, and did what she knew she needed to make herself happy- no apologies, no compromises. Once she sat down on an airplane, looked to her left, looked to her right, flashed her biggest smile and said "Sorry, no chit-chat please" Beautiful. Honest. Sincere... And how could anyone be offended with that smile and those eyes? Meanwhile, most of us would nerve have the strength to do that. She had that strength, and much more. I could go on forever, but truth is if you knew her, you know what I'm talking about. Such a BRIGHT light! the world is a little grayer without you, Rachel... but for those of us lucky enough to know you, we'll always carry a small spark of that dazzling brilliant supernova that was behind your eyes...

Amelia Bruehl

14 years ago

Beautifully said. You are so right about her laugh. I remember a few years ago when she came down to SC to visit me at my parents house and we just laughed and laughed. My father at one point asked what was so funny.....it was simply that we were having so much fun!

I just found out today about Rachel's passing. I am devastated. It's been 20 years since I have seen her, but not a month has gone by that I haven't thought about her. I remember the beer drenched Pizza Nights in Adams Morgan, the seemingly interminable drives up 270 to see her at Hood. Endless days and sleepless nights. Our first "apartment" on Reno Road. This is a bit of what I remeber of us... Rachel awakened me. What I remember about Rachel herself is her dazzling character. Dazzling because she could stop you dead in your tracks just to see her walk in a room. Dazzling because her eyes always carried a not so much a hint of mischief, but more an invitation to share in a secret. Dazzling because she flaunted convention and demanded that things matter in themselves. I have already missed her for a long time. I think I have some old photos. I'll try to find and post them. John Low

Mark DuBois

14 years ago

Hey John, tried to find you, not sure where you are. but there is a memorial for Rachel in DC on June 13th. Please call me for more info! I'm really glad you were able to find out, hope you can make it.. 760-855-5074

This page is dedicated to Rachel. A beautiful woman who always lived life to the fullest. A real trooper. One of the most beautiful women I have met, both inside and out. With a beautiful smile that could bring forth an infectious laugh. I feel so blessed knowing her. I am so thankful that she tracked me down after our Greenpeace years and we were able to pick up from where we left off, just as if the time had never passed. She was such a positive, fun, loving, energetic, engaging and beautiful friend. The list could go on and on. Rachel was the best sort of friend. A true friend. Those who would like to celebrate her life by adding memories, pictures or even videos please do so we can all join in sharing her alive in our thoughts as well as her spirit with us.