OBITUARY

Rachel Catherine Caprio

October 15, 1975 – March 24, 2021

On Wednesday, March 24, 2021, Rachel Caprio passed away at the age of 45, after 3.5 years of treatment for breast cancer.

Born in 1975 in Fairfax, Virginia to Hilbert and Catherine (Dempsey) Wilkinson, Rachel grew up in Oakton where she enjoyed swim team, dance, and lacrosse with her childhood friends.

Rachel attended Virginia Tech, achieving a degree in Early Childhood Education, in 1997. There she met her college sweetheart and best friend Matthew. Rachel and Matthew were married in 1999, and gave birth to two sons, the joys of our lives, Miles and Reid.

After briefly teaching Kindergarten, Rachel’s professional career was in Human Resources, working in companies in Austin, Texas, and Seattle, Washington areas. Rachel was a certified HR professional and member of HRCI and SHRM societies.

Her passions were capturing life’s tender moments through photography, experiencing live music, wandering the outdoors, and just being with friends and family. She considered both Queen Anne and Austin ‘home’, and loved to travel, with many places in Europe and beyond still on her wish list.

Winsome, thoughtful, and wise, Rachel enjoyed living in the joy of the moment while at the same time aligning her every action and thought with the big picture plans she had for her life. She deliberately lived life as if she were always on vacation – ‘lifecation’. Rachel’s authentic positivity and pursuit of living life to the fullest attracted friends everywhere she went, and inspired many along the way.

“Life is beautiful. Be sad, it’s normal. Then keep going. Don’t waste a day. Life is a ribbon of love. There was love before us, there will be love after us, and unforeseen beauty yet to come.”

Rachel is survived by her parents Hilbert and Cathy Wilkinson of Warrenton, Virginia, brother Bret Wilkinson of Henrico, Virginia, husband Matthew Caprio and two sons Miles and Reid Caprio, of Seattle, Washington, as well as several cousins, and 5 nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life ceremony to honor Rachel will be held at a future date that is safe for gathering.

If you would like to honor Rachel's memory, please consider donating to https://www.soulumination.org/

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Rachel Catherine Caprio

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Margaret Wergley

April 8, 2021

Such fond memories I have of Rachael as a small child, just 6 weeks older than my daughter. Rachael’s mom and I taught together for a few years and visited frequently at each other’s homes and parks as our children grew. I remember her sweet smile and easy friendly spirit. Prayers are with Matthew and her boys, her mom and dad and brother Bret and his family.

Katie Hansen Heckel

April 3, 2021

Always remember Rachel’s smile pushing the boys in the stroller, hanging out at the coe playground, and smiling at Amy’s holiday gathering 💕. Full of kindness and strength!

Heather Johnson Baum

April 3, 2021

I just found out that my dear college friend, Rachel Wilkinson Caprio, has passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. Rachel was a wise soul, gifted with the ability to find beauty and magical moments in everything. She had an innate curiosity about the people and world around her and was a life long learner. Everything Rachel did, she did with her whole heart. Through the years and distance and busy lives filled with motherhood, work, and memory making, we talked less frequently, but always picked up right where we had left off. We stood by each other at our weddings, celebrated babies, and visited in person, but not nearly often enough. On one of her few trips back east, it was late summer, I was HUGELY pregnant, due in a few weeks with Emmaline, and I did not feel like being photographed, but my gifted photographer friend insisted and persisted as only Rachel could. And I’m so glad, because Rachel had a way of making everything memorable and special, including that photo shoot. She left me with beautiful keepsakes and memories of a friendship I will forever hold in my heart. I’m heartsick at losing this one-of-a-kind friend and devasted for her soulmate, Matthew and their two boys. They were toddlers when I saw them last, but are so much like their mama in looks, interests, and mannerisms. Rachel’s light will continue to shine for all of us who love her. Miss you, dear friend.

Mary Prescott

April 3, 2021

This is the most sad day ever for Troop 515 as we have lost the "tiniest" Brownie to wretched cancer. I know every one of you have cried over this personal loss, as well as all your Navy friends and pals. This is so hard to accept We are all heartbroken.
And yet, "it's our grief that gives us our gratitude and shows us how to find hope, if ever we lose it. So ensure that this ache wasn't endured in vain; do not ignore the pain. Instead give it purpose. Use it." Amanda Gurman
"Remember, after all, that pain is one of the ways we register in memory the things that vanish, that are taken away. We fix them in our minds forever by yearning, by pain, by crying out. Pain that seems unbearable at the time, is memory's first imprinting step, the cornerstone of the temple we erect inside us in memory of the dead. Pain is part of memory, and memory is a God-given gift." From "While I was Gone" by Sue Miller.
And finally, from John 16:22
"So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you."
May these words give comfort to all who mourn the loss of our friend, sister, family. May Rachel rest in eternal peace.

Jamie Simpson

April 3, 2021

Today I celebrate the life of my oldest and closest childhood friend, Rachel Wilkinson Caprio who passed away yesterday after a fierce battle with cancer. I am happy she is now pain free I am heartbroken but feel incredibly lucky to have grown up with Rachel during my most formidable years. I wouldn't have survived middle school and high school without this fun, warm hearted, good spirited friend. Life is too short. Take time today to appreciate life and the people you love.

Alison Sonak

April 3, 2021

Heaven gained an Angel yesterday!!!
And I lost the first friend I made when I moved to Virginia. She was a gift to me when I needed it most, a formative part of who I am. We shared a back yard, our high school and college years, and countless memories. Love you Rachel Wilkinson Caprio!!!!
Your light and beauty will forever shine!!!

Marija Danilovic Berker

April 3, 2021

It amazes me Rach that even in time of your personal suffering you found a way to lift up another person, friend or no friend. Your deeply seated goodness was beyond compare. I’ve been revisiting my memories trying to pin point the time we first met after our boys’ Lego camp. We were sitting in the atrium next to the Coe cougar chatting. And that picture of us is stored in my memory as if wrapped in golden light, full of internal bliss and calm and happiness. I thank you for those moments and all the others that followed: the laughter, the long discussions on kids’ upbringing, the books we read, design we loved, birthdays we celebrated, photos you took... so many happy memories. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing me in into your circle of friends and family and for shining your light on all of us.
I so wish I could hug you right now. I love you.
Rest in peace my dear friend.

R. Bruce Morgan

April 3, 2021

This was shocking. I am so very, very sorry. Prayers for you, your family, her family and all who knew and loved her.

Peter Larsen

April 3, 2021

I’m so sorry Matthew.

Elaine Hopeck Stone

April 3, 2021

I’m so sad to learn of Rachel’s passing. I have fond memories of her from when we were neighbors in Oakton. My deepest sympathies to you, your sons, and the extended family. 🙏

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