"Heavy with sigh after hearing the news , a batchmate told me about a passing of our dear batchmate "Myra Rachel Rodriguez Samuelsen" . I was tasked as many of us accustomed me to have it done for our page which may be of help in doing each of us need to withdraw from the cares." "We seek rest in a struggle against difficulties and when they have conquered these, rest becomes insufferable." Unless and until we rest in God, we will never risk for God." But we might as well bid a friend,a batch mate, a sister who struggled in sickness (BIG C) , rest within the arms of our MAKER, Myra Rachel Rodriguez . Let us join hands in prayer.... Eternal rest grant unto Rachel, O Lord and let YOUR perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.To Grant, Christine, and Katelynn, on behalf of our dear batchmates Saint Paul College of Paranaque, Philippines, we extend our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of a dear friend, a mass has been offered at St. Andrew Cathedral, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Chapel for our dear " "Maia". May she rest in peace . AMEN."
In loving memory of
Rachel M. Samuelsen
November 9, 1963 - September 10, 2014
Waunakee- Rachel Myra Samuelsen, age 50, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Cancer on September 10th, 2014. Her final days were spent surrounded by family in the comfort of her home in Waunakee.
Rachel was born in Manila, Philippines in 1963 as the last of twelve children born to Victor and Dionisia Rodriguez. Rachel emigrated to California in 1985 and began the career path she loved; helping others in need. Rachel and Grant M. Samuelsen were married in California in 1990 before moving to Madison and then Waunakee, Wisconsin. Rachel earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Manila, Philippines and her Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from UW Madison in 1997. Rachel worked as a counselor for the Department Of Vocational Rehabilitation and later became a Career Advisor for MATC, Madison. Rachel was a devoted and loving mother of two daughters, Christine and Katelynn. All who knew Rachel recognized her by her ready smile and sunny, ebullient personality.
Rachel is survived by her husband, two daughters, her mother and ten siblings, as well as countless nieces, nephews and cousins-- who all miss her dearly and will forever hold her in their hearts.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. John's Catholic Church, 209 South Street, Waunakee, WI. 53597, Saturday September 20, 2014 at 11am with a visitation held one hour prior. Burial will be held in St. John's Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society.
Tributes
"I cannot really believe you are gone - I continue to remember all the fun times we had together with garage sales and stuff. And I remember how much fun my dad had snuggling up with Christine at Ian's birthday party - gosh he loved you and your girls."
"Two things will always come tom mind when I think of Rachel - 1) her compassion and caring attitude and her willingness to help, especially our students. A very quiet woman, but a very resourcesful one who got the job done! Madison College was blessed and fortunate to have had her talents, even for such a short time!
2) Boy, could she bake and cook and loved POTLUCKS!!! I always looked forward to whatever Rachel brought it to our potlucks. She was always trying some new recipe and made it look so easy and effortless but it had the quality of a Master Chef --- especially the sweet treats. I could count on putting on at least 2 pounds from Rachel's homemade delights!"
"To Grant, Christine and Katelynn; With all my heartfelt sympathy, I am sorry to hear the passing of one of my best friend. Myra to us has been the light of the "barkada", always dependable and will always lend her ears to listen to anything (bad or good). I will surely missed out chats and laughs. You will forever be in my heart my friend, keep smiling....."
"Grant, Christine, and Katelynn; I was so sorry to read of Rachel's passing in the newspaper this morning. I remember visiting with her at Augusta Park as we were pushing our kids in the swings. Years later, we'd chat for a few minutes at the Pig or after church. Her concern for others and generous spirit came through in her conversations. I'm so sorry for your loss, she will be missed by many. May God grant you comfort and strength. Blessings, Sharon, Bill, Brandon, and Carolyn Evers"
"Dear Grant, Christine & Katelynn: I met and worked with Rachel at Madison College. We connected immediately with her infectious smile and laughter. She was a joy to be with - I loved her soft but strong spirit. I will remember her as my Friend. May God Bless you all and comfort you in her Loving memories."