in loving memory of my sister

Rachel Walsh- Stassen 

January 07,1986- July 31,2024

Wednesday's will forever be hard days.  Last Monday my sister went by ambulance to the ER as she had a lot of pain in her leg and couldn't walk. The Dr told her she had a huge blood clot in her leg and they would do surgery right away it got delayed til Wednesday.  

While doing scans to find out where exactly the clot was they discovered 3 in her lungs, the dr was not concerned with the lungs as he gave her a medication that could help that.  The surgery did not happen until the next day"  she says around 3 I'm heading to surgery, love you" my response - text when you can, praying for you love you"  That was the last words ever SPOKEN with her. We waited and waited for recovery but nothing, finally I hear from my brother in law via text he said I just heard- it's not good, she's dying, pray now.  ( A blood clot went into her heart and she coded twice on the table )

I called everyone to pray and we did, within an hour the dr came out and said the blood clot moved from her heart... She was stable, told David to go home and rest, she was going to ICU sedated to rest so he went home, when he woke in the morning, he was relieved over night no calls came in so she was still stable we thought. 

David gets to the hospital and finds out she had to go on life support as her body was failing, organs were failing and they had to make decisions.  David called me to update me, I got people all over the world to pray. Her kids and Family got there to see her except my parents to say good bye. I had her mother in law put the phone to her ear so I could say my good byes, I told her It was okay to go, I loved her, her kids would be taken care of and some other words.  She died within moments after, my parents flying from Canada arrived in the morning but it was already to late, my sister had gone to heaven.  I didn't get to go because I had surgery myself and couldn't travel.

I was asked to write her eulogy which I'm sharing below.  I miss her so so much and I cannot wait to see her again..

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Eulogy 

my baby sister, my best friend, the one I ran to tell everything to even the last week I've found myself picking up my phone to text you

There are no words to express my shock, my heart break, all the why questions. The thoughts never crossed mymind that we would be here doing this,  a truly extraordinary individual whose life has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

My sister was an extraordinary person. She was a loving daughter, A loving wife, she adored her Husband, her three babies and her two fur babies, a cherished friend, and a remarkable sister, an aunt,a neice, and a cousin. But to me, she was not just my sibling, but my confidant, my role model, and my best friend. Her presence brought joy, laughter, and warmth into my life, and her memory will continue to do so. 

She loved God. She knew what it was to have a personal relationship with Him.  Her walk with God was evident to all who knew her: her love for others, her compassion, her grace and courage.  She inspired all who knew her. She led by example.  As a little girl she got very sick (very prone to infection) and spent time in hospital. When she got out, she wanted to go to church so papa could pray for her, he did, she was healed, she got the holy ghost and baptised that night and she has never looked back.

I remember growing up we shared a bedroom. Mom would come in so many times and tell us to quit talking and go to sleep, we would pretend to be quiet for a couple minutes then we would start talking again.   

As little girls on Christmas eve we would take turns going to the rest room to see if we could see anything. Who ever woke first Christmas morning would wake the other...then we found out about our Brother Michael arriving, we were so excited to be little mommies to our baby bro. 

Years later when I got married and had my daughter Brooke, my sister moved in with me to help me out, after my one year leave was up, she babysat Brooke and they had a very special bond. 

Then I remember one Sat morning I was vacumming the floor and a call came in with a Colorado number, I thought that is strange but I answered and it was David telling me he would like to come meet my sister, I had no idea this guy existed so she had some explaining to do.  David came to visit and the day arrived to get him at airport- she took HOURS to get ready, i knew when I saw them they were smitten, it wasnt long and they were planning their wedding, I am sorry you only got 18 years married but David she truly loved you and today she is looking down saying " babe, you can do this, i believe in you". 

Curtis,RaeAnna and Norah-  you were her babies, the lights of her life. There was nothing she wouldn't do for you.  Auntie is so deeply sorry for your loss. Losing your mom is an unimaginable pain, and my heart aches for you. I know that no words can truly ease the grief you’re feeling, but I want you to know that I am here for you, and you are not alone in this journey.

Auntie is here always.  You call me anytime of the day or night, we can tell stories, or online shopping ( wink) 

My sister was a beacon of light and warmth in our lives. Her kindness was boundless, extending to friends, family, and even strangers. She had a remarkable ability to make each person she encountered feel valued and understood. Her smile, which could brighten even the darkest of days, was a reflection of her generous spirit and compassionate heart.

Throughout her life, Rachel demonstrated an incredible strength and resilience. Whether facing personal challenges or supporting others through their own struggles, she faced everything with grace and courage. Her unwavering optimism and positive outlook were a source of inspiration to all of us. She taught us the true meaning of perseverance and the importance of embracing every moment with a hopeful heart.

Though we mourn the loss of our sister we also celebrate the incredible life she lived. The memories we shared with her will forever be a source of comfort and joy. Her legacy is one of love, kindness, and unyielding strength, and it will continue to inspire us in the years to come.

In our hearts, Rachel will always be with us, a guiding light and a source of love. Her spirit will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched and the love she so generously gave. We find solace in knowing that her memory will forever be a part of us.

Last wednesday Rachel changed her address to her heavenly home.  Hand picked  as the brand new angel in the heavenly choir. 

Rest in peace, dear sister You were a gift to all who knew you, and your presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten. I love you, I miss you and I will make sure your babies and David are always taken care of.