Rachel Packard Curtis

Rachel Packard Curtis, age 47, passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 8, 2024. Rachel grew up the middle child in the most loving family in North Charleston, SC, where she blossomed as a social butterfly, excelled as a competitive cheerleader and was the queen of developing lifelong friendships. She was the peacemaker, known for her big, beautiful smile, and would gladly give you her last dime if it meant your day would be better. She graduated from North Charleston High School in 1995 where one of her claims to fame was being chosen “that one time” as a backup dancer to the then Pop Star, Brandy. She discovered her passion for photography at Trident Technical College and, from that day forward, was never far from a camera. Her memory lives on through thousands of photos of people and images seen through her eyes.

Rachel enjoyed finding joy in life. She was an amazing singer and never met a karaoke mic she didn’t like. Her rendition of “Fancy” rivaled Reba’s original for sure. And she loved to fish. She would often disappear “across the street” at her parent’s lakehouse to drop a line off the dock for a few, only coming home when her kids called for her. And she loved plants! She discovered later in life that plants never tired of her stories and, as a result, she had hundreds of plant babies all over her house. Those babies grew, and grew… and grew. And of course, she loved her animals – her kitties, yes, but especially her sweet pup, Henry. When Rachel was home, Henry was never far from her side. He might be getting into mischief or chewing up the carpet, but he always made her smile regardless. And finally, she was always up for an adventure. Whether it was ripping through cheap ski pants on the bunny slopes of North Carolina, choking on lake water behind a speeding boat tubing Lake Marion or moving clear across the country to Denver CO to “try life there for a while,” she was up for it.

But her greatest joy in life was being a mom. Tristen Packard (Stevie), Charlie McCraw and Norah McCraw were the lights in her eyes and her greatest accomplishments. She was so proud of each one of them and found joy in “annoying” others with constant stories of their perfection. She was their fierce advocate and fought tirelessly for what was right by them. She so looked forward to watching Tristen walk down the aisle with his sweet Stevie, cheering Charlie on as he graduated with his nursing degree, and walking side by side with Norah as she moved into adulthood and followed her dreams. Her beauty and love of life shines through each of them.

Beyond her children, Rachel loved her family and friends deeply. She was quick to give excellent words of advice and would often talk you out of being upset with someone else, sometimes even pointing out your wrongdoing and convincing you to apologize – but always in the kindest way. She never failed to say “I love you,” and her hugs were legendary. She came in slow and purposeful, always with a sly smile, a tight squeeze, and a little sway at the end for good measure. Rachel is survived by her husband, Sean Curtis, whom she loved dearly (and also shared an immense love of fishing); her parents, Brad and Cindy Packard, who raised her with unconditional love, godliness and wicked sense of humor; her older sister, Amy Maciariello (Aaron), who treasured her sisterly chats and whose memories will last a lifetime; her nephews and nieces, Collin, Devin and Laurie Ware and Miley Maciariello, who inherited the most beautiful pieces of her personality and counted on her special talks when they needed them most; along with several aunts, many cousins, extended family, and close friends (many like family). Rachel had a way of making lifelong friends, and she cherished each and every one of them.

Rachel was preceded in death by many beloved family members and friends. Her precious brother, Nic, certainly led Heaven’s welcome party, guitar in hand, and was joined by her maternal grandparents, Laurie and Nora Antley, and paternal grandparents, Don and Ida Packard, as well as many aunts, uncles and friends. That party in heaven was, surely, like no other.

Services will be held Monday, May 20th, at Charleston Baptist Church, 13 San Miguel Rd., Charleston SC 29414. Services will begin at 12pm, with visitation beginning at 11am. A private graveside service will take place at a later time.