Rachel Ann Grossman

It is with immense sadness that we regretfully announce the sudden passing of our dearest Rachel Ann Grossman (b. June 1st 1995). With her family by her side, Rachel went peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital on July 10th at 8:26 a.m. Left behind to mourn are her mother Theresa (Vic), her father Gerald, her sisters Jolene (Ryan, Kiesha, John, Jayden, and Julianna) and Jess (Alex and Arden), her brother Mason, her boyfriend Justin, her grandparents Gerard and Merle Grossman and Wayne and Gnes Godwin, and her numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

In remembering Rachel’s life, it is impossible to overlook her warm, welcoming, and powerful presence that united her entire family. Rachel was blessed with a dynamic, one-of-a-kind personality that gave her the strength and the courage to always be her most authentic self.

Rachel grew up in Lorette, Manitoba where she attended Dawson Trail School and went on to graduate with honours from Collège Lorette Collegiate in 2013. It was in high school when Rachel found her talent for basketball, playing centre as number 9. At 5’11” she earned the nickname “The Wall.” Rachel had completed three years of study in the University of Winnipeg’s Department of Theatre and Film. She was passionate about completing both her Bachelor of Arts degree and her most recent project, a film she wrote and directed titled SALIGIA that was to premier later this year. Rachel happily spent a great deal of her time at the University of Winnipeg campus pursuing her dream of working in the film and theatre industry while also working at Garbonzo’s, where she enjoyed being a part of trivia nights.

Rachel’s compassionate, loving nature led her to work at the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre where she took it upon herself to educate and make a positive impact on inner-city youth. Rachel loved all children; the relationships she developed with her nieces and nephews brought her great joy. Her love for animals was not limited to her pets, but to all animals, and she volunteered at the petting zoo down the road from her home at the tender age of ten.

Among Rachel’s diverse interests, her love of movies and music was evident early on in her life. She conducted puppet shows for anyone and everyone, sang songs, and performed in many talent shows at school. Her favourite movie was Rock of Ages, a film about everything she loved: 80’s fashion, musical performance and rock ‘n’ roll. The television show Supernatural yielded one of her best-loved songs, “Carry On My Wayward Son,” but her favourite song was “Pride” by American Authors. The lyrics are an anthem to her and how she chose to live her life.

Rachel’s booming laugh was truly her trademark, and not a day will go by that we will not miss it. Rachel’s love of life was exemplified by her endless excitement – on a scale of one to ten, Rachel went fifteen plus. Her hugs were from her soul and so strong they left you breathless. We are grateful for twenty-two amazing years. We will miss her presence, but the strength of her soul will forever reverberate through the hearts and minds of all those who knew her.

Thanks to all EMS, first responders, and hospital staff at St. Boniface Hospital for your compassion and tireless efforts. Please join us in celebrating Rachel’s life at Green Acres Funeral Home on Monday July 17th 2017 at 2 o’clock p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the completion of Rachel’s film SALIGIA.