This memorial is a place to share memories of Rachel's life,achievements, and impacts on the world. You are encouraged to contribute any stories, photos, videos or other information that you feel had a lasting impact on your life or the lives of others. You may also leave your condolences or best wishes at the bottom of this page.
Rachel Gloudemans passed away at the age of 21 on April 11th, 2020 alongside her family at her home in Tucson with the kind support of TMC hospice.
Rachel is the daughter of Mary Gloudemans of Tucson, Arizona and the brother of Michael DeLay of San Luis Obispo, California.
Rachel’s kindness, abiding curiosity, infectious smile, and quiet wit left a lasting impact on the lives of those around her. She relished reading and a multitude of other intellectual pursuits and cared deeply for her family and friends. Her love for all living things was infectious and led her to become an avid equestrian.
During her high school career, she demonstrated her concern for others by volunteering through UNIDAS and serving on the student council. During this same time, her burgeoning love of science led her to participate in a biosurfactant research through a program at the University of Arizona. After graduating from The Gregory School with High Honors, Rachel began her avid pursuit of a biochemistry degree at Mount Holyoke College, until her studies were cut short by illness.
While studying at Mount Holyoke, Rachel's illness became more and more debilitating, but she persisted until her deteriorating health rendered further study impossible. In her words; “If I’m going to feel terrible, I would rather feel terrible while doing what I love.”
Despite suffering from a progressive multisystem complex of neurological-immunological diseases for over 4 years, Rachel continued to be the light of her mother’s life, approaching the challenges of her condition with a grace and strength belied by her young age. She died at home in the care of her mother and brother with the kind support of TMC hospice.
Due to the COVID lockdown and safety concerns, we will be planning a service to celebrate her life at a currently undetermined date in the future when people can safely gather and share their memories of Rachel. This page will be updated when service dates are determined in the future.
If you are so moved you can honor Rachel's memory by making a donation to one of the four underfunded charities listed below. These charities support research towards improving outcomes for those with Rachel’s condition.
Dysautonomia International:
http://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/index.phpThe Mastocytosis Society:
https://tmsforacure.org/overview/The Ehlers-Danlos Society:
https://www.ehlers-danlos.comOpen Medicine Foundation:
https://www.omf.ngo We will remember her forever.