Rachel Lynn MacFarlane was born on December 5th, 1971, in St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish. From the moment she came into this world, Rachel had a heart of gold. She lived every day to the fullest and truly loved life. Anyone who had the privilege to know Rachel knew how fierce and fiery she was, and if you were lucky, that fire was on your side. Rachel had the beautiful gift of seeing the humour in every situation. Her contagious laugh and storytelling skills will be cherished forever.
Rachel loved adventures and new experiences, and travelling was a big part of her life. After graduating from St. F.X. University she could be found living it up from the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between. Rachel met her soul mate Adam in 2000 and they shared 22 years filled with love, laughter, and all their cherished fur babies. She spent much of her life ‘down home’ in Williams Point and no matter where she was, her heart was always there. Rachel and Adam built their dream home in Williams Point, and this is where they shared the last few years of her life, watching sunsets and eagles over the harbour.
Rachel completed her undergraduate degree at St. F.X. University in 1995 receiving a Bachelor of Arts with and major in English Literature. She excelled in school and was a gifted writer. Years after graduating, Rachel began to work for the university, where she remained a loyal and hardworking member for 22 years, transferring between countless departments and helping so many individuals along the way. These past 4 years Rachel worked as a supervisor of Facilities Management.
She had the biggest heart and would help anyone, and any animal, without a question. Helping people was her passion and this quality radiated from her every day. She was involved in innumerable charities and organizations and was a passionate advocate for women’s rights.
Rachel was the chair of the board of directors for The Antigonish Affordable Housing Society and her commitment to the people she served was tireless.
Rachel is survived by her one true love Adam McCoul, and their fur babies Lou and Oscar of Williams Point. Rachel is also survived by her proud and loving parents; Kenny and Bernadette MacFarlane of Williams Point, and her siblings who doubled as best friends: Nicole McGinn (Pat) of Bedford, Helen MacFarlane (Archie) of Georgeville, Nancy MacFarlane (Troy) of St. Mary’s, Carol Anne MacFarlane (Nathanael) of Williams Point, and John MacFarlane (Phallen) of Maryvale. Rachel loved her many nieces and nephews like they were her own children and is survived by Aiden, Patrick, Hannah, Johnny, Kale (Bailey), Erin (Darnell), Norah, Maggie, Autumn, and Robert. She will be dearly missed by her many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Aside from her family, Rachel leaves behind some of the most amazing friends a person could ask for, Patricia MacKenzie, Suzanne Mattie, Brenda Gavin-Nagy and Shelly Robertson, who were by her side right until the end. Her dear friend, cousin, and partner in crime Cindy MacNeil will also miss her deeply.
Rachel may have lived for only 50 short years, but she lived them so very well. She touched the lives of countless people and leaves behind so many broken hearts. We are truly grateful for every precious moment we have spent together with Rachel, and we will miss her just as fiercely as she lived her life.
There will be no public visitation. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday at 11:00am in St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish, with Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding.
Donations in memory of Rachel can be made to the Antigonish Affordable Housing Society or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com