Rachael Van Dyke

Rachael Erin Nichole Van Dyke, 22, of Mahomet, Illinois and formerly of Peoria, Illinois passed away July 16, 2016 while vacationing in her beloved Branson, Missouri. She was born June 4, 1994. A 2012 graduate of Limestone Community High School she underwent a successful heart transplant in April of 2011. Rachael is survived by her father Cecil Van Dyke of Maback, Texas, her step father Dewitt Tyree of Peoria, Illinois, and maternal grandmother Carroll Gorman of Norwood, Illinois. Rachael's family also includes many aunts, uncles, and cousins whom she loved. Preceding her in death are her mother Christine Burke Tyree, her maternal grandfather, and her fraternal grandparents.

Rachael loved life and everyone surrounding her. She knew no stranger, and endearingly called most aunt or uncle. Her world was filled with her pets, technology and innocence. She loved movies and General Hospital and the color pink. She had an infectious smile and a dismissive, but sweet eye roll, that could simultaneously amuse and correct. She wanted everyone to be happy.

Donations in memory of Rachael Van Dyke may be made to Ronald McDonald House RMHC of St. Louis at http://www.rmhc.org. Should you want to notify the family of your donation please have RMHC alert Todd Gleason at [email protected]. The charity helped Rachael and her family in their time of need.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday July 21, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Peoria, Illinois followed by a memorial Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m., with Father Jim Pankiewicz as celebrant. A committal service will follow at the Chapel of Peace at Parkview Cemetary. A celebration of life gathering immediately follow.