May 10, 1987 – April 24, 2020
Adored and adoring wife of Danny Aschwanden; cherished mother of five-year-old Henry; beloved daughter of Sara and William; dear sister of Noah; treasured grand-daughter of her proud abuela, Helen Dueck; and, much-loved daughter-in-law of Astrid and Peter. With her infectious smile and graceful elegance, Rachel endeared herself to everyone she met. Her courage, determination and sheer strength of will were always inspiring, particularly during the last months of her life.
Rachel was born and raised in Montreal, on the Plateau-Mont-Royal. As a young person, she spent summers at the family cottage on the Rideau Lakes in Ontario. She loved the water, in her teens working as a lifeguard, playing water-polo, and swimming competitively. She attended FACE high school and McGill University, graduating with a BA in Hispanic Studies and International Development. An intrepid traveller, she clocked many air miles, mainly in South America, spending a year in Buenos Aires as a foreign exchange student.
After University, Rachel worked at the engineering firm KSH, where she met Danny, the love of her life. Later on, her passion for cooking and bringing people together led her to a career in event planning. Calling on her exquisite aesthetic sense, keen attention to detail, and superb management skills, she planned her own wedding in Sutton Qc, which was beautiful and perfect in every way.
Family and friends would reminisce about the wedding endlessly. Rachel’s calm and poise on that day, only three weeks after brain surgery, was a testament to her character. She began treatments in the fall of 2016, and subsequently enjoyed almost two years cancer-free, time she devoted to being a wonderful and caring mother to Henry.
Rachel passed away peacefully in her parents’ home in Hudson, Quebec, following a long and valiant fight. Her family was most fortunate to have the outstanding support of the women of NOVA Hudson, who provided generous and compassionate care. In particular, we thank nurse Anna-Maria Westcott and care-giver Angelie Sotelo. Also by her side with unfailing devotion was her best friend, Cynthia Messina.
Donations in Rachel’s memory may be made to NOVA Hudson, 465 Main St., Suite 202, Hudson, Qc. J0P1H0, 450-458-5727
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