Rachel ‘Ray’ Laura Orcutt

In Loving Memory of Rachel Laura Orcutt (“Ray”)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, Rachel Orcutt, on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Rachel will be forever missed by the love of her life, her beautiful daughter, Caleigh (“Love”); the most amazing dad in the world, Pat; her treasured sister, Marnie (“Marn”); her dear brothers, Mike and Scott; her cherished nieces and nephews, Jordyn (“Jordalino”), Jessica (“Jessie”), Matthew (“Math”), Danielle (“Dansi Doo”), and Cole (“Buddy”); her sisters-in-law, Shelly, Kris and Heather; her brothers-in-law, Carlos and Mak; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; her family in Scotland; and many, many friends from all over Canada and the world, including countless extremely close friends whom she considered family. She was predeceased by her loving mother, Judy, and her beloved sister, Shannon.

Rachel was born in London, Ontario on June 18, 1976. She grew up in London and then moved to Victoria, BC at the age of 18. Shortly after moving to Victoria, she survived a very serious accident and became “our miracle”. Several years later she moved overseas and spent time in Scotland and England. She returned to London, Ontario in 2005 to give birth to Caleigh. In 2007, she and Caleigh returned to Rachel’s beloved Victoria – a place that always held a special place in her heart and where a part of her will always remain. In 2011, Rachel and Caleigh moved back to London, Ontario to be closer to family. Rachel’s family meant the world to her, and she always supported them in every way possible.

“I’ll lean on you and you lean on me and we’ll be okay.” – Dave Matthews Band

Rachel’s daughter Caleigh was her whole world. She did everything in her power to give Caleigh the fullest and most wonderful life possible, and she cherished every moment and milestone with her. She raised her to accept everyone for who they are, to treat everyone with kindness and compassion, and to always be there for family and friends. Rachel and Caleigh went everywhere together and did everything together. Some of their favourite places to go were to the mall, the movie theatre, Ipperwash Beach (including their annual cottage trip), the Dream Homes, Apple Land, Kustermans, their annual Christmas lights tour, the Santa Clause parades, and for long car rides while listening to their favourite music. Some of their favourite trips together included Disney World, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and of course, Victoria, B.C.

Rachel loved visiting with family and friends, taking care of her pets (her cherished Doogan (“Doogie”/ “Doog” / “Doogathan”/ “Mr. D”) and Millie (“Mildred”), who will miss her dearly, attending the sporting events of Caleigh and of all her nieces and nephews, listening to music (especially her favourite band of all time, the Dave Matthews Band, and Caleigh’s favourite artist, Taylor Swift), watching hockey (she was a huge Maple Leafs and Canucks fan), reading, shopping, traveling, gardening, going to concerts, watching movies, dancing, doing crafts, sewing, watching Coronation Street, and going on road trips. Rachel could always be found with a Tim Horton’s coffee in hand and a smile on her face. She loved dropping by for a visit with coffees and Timbits for everyone.

Rachel had a great number of close friends (too many to name!). Her friends held a very special place in her heart. Our family would like to thank each and every one of Rachel’s friends for their friendship, kindness, and support of Rachel and Caleigh over the years.

“Turns out, it’s not where, but who you’re with that really matters.” – Dave Matthews Band

Rachel was the epitome of a people person. She loved talking to everyone and always had a smile and a kind word for anyone she came across. She was always the first to offer a helping hand to those in need. She loved making people laugh, and she always put other people’s needs ahead of her own.

The simplest pleasures in life always brought great happiness to Rachel and she had an amazing ability to find wonder and joy in almost anything. She was the most positive person in the world, even in the face of obstacles and challenges, and she lived every day to the fullest.

“The future is no place to place your better days.” – Dave Matthews Band

Rachel loved all holidays, and she decorated her house for every one of them. You always knew what season it was by the decorations on the door and the items on the porch or in the garden. Her favourite holidays were Christmas and Halloween. On Halloween, she would get dressed up, set up a huge display in her yard, and wait eagerly for the kids to arrive. Every Christmas, Rachel loved to see the joy on her family and friends’ faces when they opened her awesome homemade gifts (blankets, salsa, jam, bits and bites, etc.!) and other specially selected presents (e.g. matching pajamas for the whole family).

Rachel was an amazing cook. She could whip up a great meal from random ingredients. Every spring, Rachel could be found at the family homestead, prepping for her annual garden. She was always eager to plan meals for her family. She would excitedly announce what would be on the menu for the next day. At every gathering or celebration, she would arrive with tons of delicious, home-cooked foods.

Although she had a lot of physical pain from a previous motor vehicle accident, Rachel never let that stop her. She was always the first one to lend a hand or to get to work on a task, despite any pain she might be feeling. She never complained and was always on the go.

Rachel was a beautiful soul, inside and out, with a heart of gold. She laughed often and she laughed hard.  She loved unconditionally. She was a truly genuine person who saw the good in everyone.

Rachel brought light and happiness to all who knew her. We will always remember Rachel’s deep and unconditional love and kindness, her incredible sense of humour, her zest for life, and her positive outlook on absolutely everything. Her bright light will continue to shine forever in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her. Her contagious laughter and smile will never be forgotten.

In memory of Rachel, put on a Dave Matthew’s song and raise a cup of Tim Horton’s coffee or a can of beer!

In Rachel’s honour, spread joy to others; love as often as you can; be kind to everyone; treat everyone equally; take the time to say hello and ask people how they are doing; laugh a lot; never give up; be positive; and help others whenever you can.

“If you give, you begin to live.” –  Dave Matthews Band

WE LOVE YOU, RACHEL (our “Ray” of sunshine)! We wish you eternal peace, love, and laughter until we meet again.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at Boler Mountain Main Chalet, 2nd Floor, 689 Griffith St, London ON. Please come and share some stories and some laughs. The celebration will be drop-in style with casual attire. Please consider wearing something colourful or fun in memory of Rachel.

“Celebrate we will, because life is short but sweet for certain.” – Dave Matthews Band