Rachael Anne Leach

Rachael Anne Leach was born on July 25, 1978, and went to be with the Lord on June 25, 2022 surrounded by several of her loving family members. Rachael was described by a close family friend as someone who was “always smiling and never knew a stranger.” Rachael’s unexpected death was caused by the effects of undetected and advanced brain cancer. In the mercy of God, Rachael avoided the pain and anxiety that would have accompanied the regularly prescribed treatments for diagnosed brain cancer. During her lifetime, Rachael also suffered from cerebral palsy and other physical ailments, which included physical and mental handicaps that often submitted her to various medical procedures and inconveniences. However, Rachel never complained and instead was known to be an encouragement to others with her beautiful smile and whimsical sense of humor, often displayed in her regular exchanges of playful banter with relatives and friends. Rachael loved her family, friends, pastor, and church family; and in turn, was loved by many who knew her. She also demonstrated an earnest desire to share the gospel of Christ with those around her. Even though in her adult life, she demonstrated child-like simplicity due to the palsy, her ability to bring joy and encouragement to those around her was profound in its circle of influence. Rachael is survived by her parents, Robert and Vanessa (Evans) Leach of Hampton, VA. She is also survived by her four brothers: Dan Leach (Ying) of Taylors, SC; Joe Leach (Josie) of Chesapeake, VA; Ben Leach (Bonney) of Garner, NC; and Jonathan Leach (Valerie) of Newport News, VA. She is also survived and remembered by her dear nieces and nephews: Chandler Leach (21), Charlize Hauer (17), Ethan Leach (16), Christina Leach (16), Samantha Leach (15), Joey Leach (15), Abigail Leach (14), Jackson Hauer (12), Eleanor Leach (6), and Lucian Leach (1). Rachael was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Gus A. Leach; paternal grandmother, Christine Evans Leach; her maternal grandfather, Charles M. Evans; and her maternal grandmother and “friend,” Hetty Hoggard Evans Hargrove. Rachael was loved by many extended family members and friends and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Bethel Baptist Church, 1647 Briarfield Road, Hampton, VA, prior to a memorial service beginning at 11:00 AM. The committal will take place at Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. Hampton, VA, and will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly accepts donations towards funeral expenses. Please send condolences to Robert and Vanessa Leach at 504 Brockridge Hunt Drive, Hampton VA 23666.