Rachel English

Rachel English passed away peacefully Dec. 27, 2016, in San Rafael, Calif., with her son by her side as she drew her last breath. She was born Rae Soldinger Feb. 2, 1939, in London, England. She came to the United States as a child with her family and attended high school in southern California. She left school early to enter the workforce and became a model and actress as a young woman in Hollywood in the early 60s appearing in hit shows like the Mod Squad and Mission Impossible in guest roles. She met her husband, Larry Adler, during this time and is survived by her two children, Steven Adler and Lisa Adler, and three granddaughters, Cayenne, Ruby and Sonya. She raised her children in the San Fernando Valley until the late 70s when she boldly moved to a small town up north called Hayfork, where she lived until her children graduated from high school. With her pioneer spirit and a child rearing philosophy founded on exposing children to new experiences, Rachel took her children "back to the land" in rural Trinity County in the 1980's. In the late 80s, she moved to Las Vegas, where the Soldingers lived. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Rene Soldinger; and her sister, Maureen. She is survived by two sisters, Carol Levins and Linda Blake. While in Las Vegas, she pursued her career as a performer, earning a license in broadcasting and performing as a stand-up comedienne in the 1990's, while in her 50's. She said she wanted to try stand-up comedy because people thought it was the hardest act to do. She was also a dedicated artist and writer. Rachel English is likely most well-known for her autobiographical account of the swinging scene in Hollywood in the 1960's titled, "My First 500," published by Dell in 1977. She continued to write for magazines in the 1990's and 2000's. Rachel was known as a very loving person as evidenced by her eternally grateful children. She was an inspiration to many and had a keen and wicked sense of humor. She was a successful dog-trainer and committed animal lover. Babies and animals of all sorts were drawn to her healing touch. She was a bold person who spoke her mind and never shied away from expressing opinions outside of the mainstream of society. In this way, she was a gifted visionary. In the last years of her life, Rae lived with Alzheimer's Disease. Those who knew her will remember her as a great storyteller. Though she spoke less and less as the disease progressed, she could still say, "I love you" to the very end. This is her enduring message to all of us. Her children wish to thank all the kind souls who took care of her in the elder care community in Marin County. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at King David Memorial Cemetery, 2697 E. Eldorado Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89120, with Rabbi Mel Hecht presiding.