"Rachel was woman with so many special qualities who will be truly missed every day by her family and dear friends who loved her a sister. Her memory will always bring a smile to their lips and a warm beat to hearts Jerry Wische. "
In loving memory of
Rachel Dara Lavine
June 21, 1976 - December 9, 2021
We mourn the death of Rachel Dara (Miller) Lavine, on December 9, 2021, beloved wife of Benjamin Lavine; loving mother of Alexander Lavine, Andrew Lavine and Samantha Lavine and her sweet dog, Cooper; dearest daughter of Susan Bracho, Juan Bracho, Bruce Miller and Karla Miller; esteemed daughter-in-law to Lillian and David Lavine; cherished sister and sister-in-law to Scott Miller, Jessica Miller, Sarah Lavine-Kass and Joseph Kass; dear aunt, niece, cousin, and a true friend to many. Rachel was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, on June 21, 1976. She passed away suddenly on December 9, 2021 due to complications from a recently diagnosed and very rare disease, AL Amyloidosis.
Rachel grew up in Houston and graduated from Bellaire High School in 1994, in Bellaire, Texas and the University of New England, in Biddeford, Maine, with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1998. Rachel served as a physical therapist for 23 years and provided compassion and care to her patients. Rachel was a gentle soul, and while petite in stature, she was mighty in her resolve and strength, which she demonstrated in her childhood and young adult life, as an accomplished gymnast and marathon runner, and most recently in the strength and determination she showed while battling the unfriendly diagnosis made to her in late October of 2021.
Rachel's children were her "Loves" and were the joys of her life. She was a beautiful and bright light, and her passing will leave a void in the lives of all that loved her, but we will cherish Rachel through our love and memories of her, and we will continue to honor her through our life choices, instilling kind and gentle values for generations to come.
The family would like to acknowledge with gratitude, the compassion and extraordinary medical efforts provided by Barry Trachtenberg, M.D., as well to thank the entire clinical care team of doctors at the Methodist Hospital in the Houston Medical Center.
The funeral and graveside services will be held on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the Kagan-Rudy Chapel at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet St Houston, TX 77074. While services will be outdoors, the family requests that everyone wear masks. A Shiva will be held on Sunday evening at 6:00 PM at the home of Joseph and Sarah Kass. Donations in Rachel's memory may be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation, or to a charity of your choice.
Tributes
"I was truly beyond shocked and saddened to learn of the death of my good friend Rachel. Rachel and I worked for many, many years together at Brighton Gardens of Bellaire and occasionally I would bump into her at The Buckingham as well. She would always greet me with the biggest smile in the world. I have so many wonderful memories with her over the years, whether it was fun incidents that happened revolving around therapy and patient-care or just good ol? gossip among co-workers. Rachel was always a bundle of energy; I remember her telling me she was trying some class that involved being suspended upside down by ropes or bands and thinking to myself how tiny yet strong she was, and marveling at how she found time for work and fitness while caring for her 3 beautiful kids! She was so proud of her kids, her husband, and his success. I remember her telling me also about how proud she was of her brother and how she was going to travel to see him compete at the Jewish Olympics. I am still in shock; I can?t believe I won?t see Rachel?s smiling face again. I have a pic with her at work that I would love to share: My prayers and blessings go out to her parents, husband and children; may God help you heal from this terrible loss. Such a young, beautiful life gone too soon. Rachel my sweet, sweet friend, thank-you for all the smiles and laughs over the years! It was a privilege to work beside you every week! Love you always, Sharmin Wankadia, PT, DPT "
"My heart aches for you, Benjamin. I cannot imagine your pain and that of your parents and Sarah and her family. Know of my prayers to God to bless you with strength and comfort. Love, ?Aunt Tina?"