Rachel M. Vasquez, 27, of Hampshire, died January 21, 2021 because of a car accident.
Visitation will be on Monday, January 25, 2021 from 11:00am until the time of the service at 1pm all at DeFiore Funeral Home -10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be in Huntley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to “To Write Love on Her Arms” organization or to her family.
Rachel was born November 22, 1993 in Barrington, Illinois the daughter of Robert and Linda Vasquez. She graduated from the University of Iowa with her BA in psychology and went onto earn her master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University. Rachel devoted her life to helping people with mental health issues. As a social worker at Dixon Correctional Center, she made a difference and changed lives every day. Not only did her inmates respect her but they loved her. She was creative and enjoyed croqueting and coloring, she was also known to be a frequent shopper at Target and Michaels. Rachel was proud of her family’s heritage and lived and loved well, she was a loving daughter, mother, sister, and granddaughter who will be missed by all who knew her. Rachel could brighten up a room, she was fierce, strong and was someone who changed the world. Her whole world was about her son Leighton. Everything she did, she did it for him, he was her light, her joy, and her love.
She is survived by her son, Leighton, her parents, Robert, and Linda Vasquez, by her sisters, Marissa, and Danielle Vasquez and by her grandma, Loretta Siepman and by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Rachel was preceded in death by her grandma and grandpa Vasquez.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this most tragic loss. We are praying for your family. Marion Amling and Ed Hoover
My heart aches for you. Rachel was a beautiful young lady and her smile would light up a room. I am truly sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter
I am at a loss and completely devastated. Rachel had such a kind and giving heart. I will miss every part of who she was, prayers for healing and peace ♥️
We are heartbroken by your loss. Sending love, thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time.
I knew Rachel from our college sorority, Pi Beta Phi. She was truly a light to so many people she touched. Rachel was a couple grades above me, and Mariss a couple below. I am deeply sorry for her loss and I hope her family finds peace over sadness, and light over darkness. Sending thoughts and many prayers. Love, Morgan Poppen
We are so heartbroken over the loss of your first baby girl. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Jesus is holding your hands through this difficult time until you will all be together again. We pray for God to give you strength and hope. May you find it in The eyes of your Grand baby. Love and Prayers. Pat, Joanne, and Family
We are praying for the family, as the heavens have opened up for Rachel.
Rachel was a very special young lady with a sweet smile for all. She will be missed by many...my heartfelt condolences to all of you.
I am still in shock that such a tragedy happened to Rachel, such an inspiring and loving woman. My deepest condolences for your family. Sending much love. She and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jade Swanson
I got to know Rachel during our years at Iowa. I was her “grand big” in our sorority and she was “munchkin” to me. She always brought so much energy and light to whatever she did and whomever she did it with. We didn’t stay in the best of touch over the years, but I know how much she loved her little boy. She was so proud of him. My heart goes out to Leighton and your entire family. Sending strength and prayers your way!
Our hearts are broken! Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Rachel was my oldest daughters first friend. And was such a joy to be around. So many memories of Rachel! She was beautiful inside and out. My heart goes out to Linda, Bob, Marissa, Danielle and her son. We are praying for your family. Love, Casey
Our hearts are broken! Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Rachel was my oldest daughters first friend. And was such a joy to be around. So many memories of Rachel! She was beautiful inside and out. My heart goes out to Linda, Bob, Marissa, Danielle and her son. We are praying for your family. Love, Casey
I am still in shock that such a tragedy happened to Rachel, such an inspiring and loving woman. My deepest condolences for your family. Sending much love. She and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jade Swanson
I am still in shock that such a tragedy happened to Rachel, such an inspiring and loving woman. My deepest condolences for your family. Sending much love. She and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jade Swanson
Dear Bob, Linda and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and pray for peace. Love, Karen
The sadness and grief are unbearable. Memories of Rachel will always be in our heart. Our prayers and sympathy to her sweet boy, Bob, Linda and the girls. Your loss is unimaginable. Forever in our hearts.
Bob and Linda, Words cannot explain the sorrow I feel upon hearing of the news of your daughter Rachel. I wish you and your family the Love and strength to get through these difficult times together
Bob and Linda, our deepest sympathy with the loss of your daughter Rachel. As original Century Drive homeowners we watched your children grow up and can't imagine how the loss of this fantastic, talented and giving young woman will affect so many. George and Barbara Brust
I am so sorry for your loss, may your memories sustain you.
Our deepest sympathy to the whole Vasquez family during this difficult time. We cannot imagine your shock and pain, but pray that you will find comfort in the coming days through your family and friends, and maybe most of all through your grandson. We are very sorry for the loss of your daughter, sister, mother and more. Marisa and Jeremy Bloomberg
Ron & I are heartbroken to hear about this tragic loss for your family. Please accept our condolences.
I’m completely shocked and saddened by the devastating loss of Rachel. I have so many fond memories of her from Wildcats cheer and I’m grateful that I got to spend those years with her. She was always smiling and encouraging and was such a positive role model to the entire squad. My heartfelt condolences to all of you and may God’s love embrace you and guide you during this most difficult time. Peace be with you all.
Bob, my deepest sympathy and condolences. My prayers are with Rachel and your entire family.
There are no words for such an unimaginable loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
We were so saddened to hear the news about Rachel. She meant so much to the girls she coached with the Wildcats. Praying you can eventually find some peace and comfort.
I am so sorry to hear of Rachel's passing. I remember her in Shear Pleasure washing hair just like her sisters always smiling, always positive. I always looked forward to my hair appointments so I could hear all the updates of your beautiful daughters plus I couldn't wait to hear about little Leighton and all his progress. Linda , you began cutting Zachary's hair in 1991 and I remember when Rachel was born. I feel as though , through you, I have watched her grow into the beautiful person that she had become. My heart aches for you and your whole beautiful family and my prayers are with you now, and in the coming days ahead. Heaven is embracing a real beauty. Stephanie Preucil
Linda and family, I have no words adequate to express how sorry I am for your loss. I know your family will rally around each other and do what You seem to do best...LOVE. My heart is with you!
Bob, Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Devastating.....Rachel always brought a bolt of energy and fun whenever she visited our home. So very sorry for your unimaginable loss but know that Rachel made a positive impact on all who were fortunate enough to have met her.
I am so sorry for your loss of Rachel. Such heartbreaking and devastating news. Matthew also sends his condolences as he met Rachel right before they went to University of Iowa. They stayed in contact and spoke about how wonderful of a person she was. We will be keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
I have such sweet memories of Rachel and your family from years ago at HES. Please know you are all in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. Heaven has gained an angel far too soon.....so very sorry for your loss.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this most tragic loss. We are praying for your family. Marion Amling and Ed Hoover
To Rachel I was Aunt Nancy. She was best friends in high school with my niece Kali and when I would visit from GA she would always make sure to say hello when I arrived and goodbye before I left. She was one of the lights of my visits. She was so full of life and happy all the time. I can't imagine the loss of a child but hoping that the strength of god will get you through.
The Alvarez family extends our deepest sympathy to the Vasquez family. We hope that the fond memories of Rachel begin to provide you with comfort and strength as you work through the coming days. And, that the thoughts and support of family and friends help you during this difficult time. Our prayers are with the Vasquez family and of course with Rachel. Our deepest condolences, Adrian (brother of Diane Bryant), Vicki and Denielle Alvarez
Dearest Linda and family, When I read the news of Rachel’s passing, my heart was filled with grief and great sadness for all of you. May you be comforted in the love of your grandson, a part of your precious Rachel. The Lord treasures the death of His children, for in their passing He welcomes them home, for they are precious in His sight.❤️
My heart is with your whole family. I went to middle and high school with Rachel and she was such an amazing person. No matter what other people thought or did, she stayed true to herself.. which was caring, loving, compassionate, and kind. Her smile was pure and contagious. You will all be in my prayers
My thoughts are with your family during this unimaginable time. Rachel was such a kind person, always making people feel comfortable. My heart aches for your loss. She was truly one of a kind.