Rachel Irene MacCulloch, 56, of Groton, CT, was called home on November 1, 2023 after a very private, formidable battle with cancer.
Rachel was strong; an athlete and competitor. Working with horses is what truly made her soul sing, but she also avidly participated in many other sports. She was a part of a golf league at Shennecossett Golf Course, an active member of the Pawcatuck Ski Club, and played on an adult softball team. She was a fond supporter and volunteer with Special Olympics as well. Rachel was a Red Sox fan and she was always cheering on her 49ers!
Rachel grew up in Westbrook, CT where her lifelong passion for the beach and horses began. As a young adult she moved to California to follow her dream of becoming a professional horse trainer and rider. Rachel trained and competed on every level. She was an instructor as well, but she was most proud of her time spent rehabilitating racehorses and saving them from being euthanized. She found them a new purpose and turned them into show and dressage horses, as well as family pets.
Rachel recognized that her calling was in helping others. She worked as a manager and coordinator for home care agencies where she took pleasure in working with ill and elderly clients. She assured that they had healthcare in place to stay in their homes and remain comfortable. Ultimately, Rachel found her purpose at Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) helping people find a new ambition through training and education. Like the racehorses, she helped people. She loved to see the pride people found in themselves when they found new purpose and new careers. Rachel loved her coworkers at TVCCA and was wholly fulfilled in her role there.
Most weekends Rachel could be found by the water, soaking up the sun with a good book. She was always thrifting for a bargain on shoes and clothes, or enjoying all types of local festivals. She spent much of her time with friends and family or curled up on the couch ...with a book and always with her dog, Jake, and cat, Kat.
Rachel was born on December 26, 1966 in New Haven, CT. Rachel is survived by her mother, Joan Goddard Smith, step-father, Rollin P. Smith, brother, Peter H. MacCulloch, and his wife Jennifer MacCulloch, sister, Tamara S.Tabor and her husband Brian Tabor. Rachel leaves behind her beloved dog, Jake, and cat, Kat. Rachel was predeceased by her sister, Heather Laurel MacCulloch and her father, Peter H. MacCulloch.
Rachel is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephew. Throughout their childhoods, Rachel spent many days babysitting, giving pony rides, and creating precious memories with her 5 nieces; Cassie, Laurel,Tara, Natalie, and Sydney and her nephew, Preston; all of whom she adored.
Rachel will always be missed and remembered for her huge bright smile, her holiday mashed potatoes, her unmatched vocabulary ,incredible devotion to animals and her ability to put a positive spin on everything.
A celebration of Rachel’s life is being planned for Spring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate blood, if you are able. Donations be made in Rachel’s memory to organizations that were close to
Rachel’s heart: For creatures great and small (Connecticut Humane Society, 169 Old Colchester Rd, Quaker Hill, CT 06375), to support women and children (Safe Futures, 16 Jay St, New London, CT 06320), or to support neighbors, who are all part of the community Rachel treasured (Thames Valley Council for Community Action, 83 Huntington St, New London, CT 06320).
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