Rachelle Leona Anne Pelletier

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Rachelle Leona Anne Pelletier. After a 26 year battle with multiple brain injuries, Rachelle passed away peacefully at Nanaimo Hospital. Rachelle was 67 years old and surrounded by family and friends in her final days.

Rachelle was born in Victoria to Jeanne and Val Pelletier. She spent her childhood with her 3 younger siblings, Marc, Romaine and Cal. With her father Val in the navy, Rachelle’s family moved from Victoria to Matsqui, back to Victoria, and settled in Nanaimo when Rachelle was in 8th grade. Rachelle was fascinated with all the places her father travelled to, and knew as an adult, she too would see the world. Rachelle’s mother Jeanne always kept a warm and loving home for all of her children, and Rachelle gained a 4th sibling, Matthew when she was 19.

Rachelle’s fiery independence had her moving out on her own at 18, with a secretarial job. She then decided to be outdoors and became Nanaimo’s first female to deliver mail. Intent to explore, Rachelle went backpacking through Europe, to soak up the rich culture. Upon returning from Europe, Rachelle decided to continue with her academics as she had always been an exceptional student. Rachelle graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She supported herself by waitressing and tree planting in the Yukon on summer break. Rachelle rode a bike to school, work, and all the way to California one summer.

After finishing University, determined to pay off student loans, Rachelle took a job teaching English in Japan. Rachelle embraced the Japanese way of life, learning the language, studying aikido, and exploring the landscape. It was here that Rachelle met her husband Dickson - a student from Ghana - and they returned to Nanaimo to have her daughter Leona.

Rachelle continued as a single mother, but that didn’t stop her from providing Leona with a vast array of experiences. Rachelle took Leona on a road trip to Mexico - not once, but twice- to explore, camp, and soak up the lifestyle.

The mother and daughter were often camping, canoeing, and loving the outdoors of Vancouver Island.

Rachelle worked in the biology lab at Uvic briefly, but found more fulfillment living in Nanaimo, surrounded by family and friends, raising her daughter. She enjoyed being part of the first Delicado’s restaurant in downtown Nanaimo.

At 41 years old, Rachelle faced her biggest obstacle, a brain aneurysm hemorrhage. Rachelle, bound to provide for her daughter, underwent an extensive rehab including a new career as a caregiver. She was the runner up for the “Courage to Comeback” award, highlighting her dedication and unmatched will power. Rachelle’s business - Retaining Our Pride - grew quickly as people were attracted to her loving spirit.

Rachelle proceeded to care for elderly and disabled clients in Vancouver, until she suffered her second brain aneurysm hemorrhage at 56 years old. Being one of few people to survive two of these severe events, Rachelle continued to inspire those around her. Rachelle retired in Nanaimo, walking around the city daily, brightening the lives of everyone around her.

One of Rachelle’s greatest joys was being a grandmother, she travelled to Los Angeles frequently to visit her daughter, son in law, and two grandsons. Rachelle left a positive impact on this world, through her kindness, generosity and fighting spirit. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Rachelle is predeceased by her mother and father, Jeanne and Val. Rachelle leaves behind her 4 siblings: Marc, Romaine (Gil), Cal (Jennifer), Matthew (Rosanne); her daughter Leona (Michael); and 2 grandsons: Benjamin and Xavier.

We would like to offer our gratitude to the amazing staff at Kiwanis village who have helped care for Rachelle.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society.