Rachel.....we miss you SO VERY much!!
It can not be a year already, it was just yesterday that you were climbing our tree or sitting at the kitchen table doing your art. There is not a second of the day that goes by where we do not think of you. This is just still so hard to believe....you not being here. It was not supposed to be this way. You were our joy and now our joy is gone. You were so funny, always wanting to make people laugh. You were so smart, always trying your very best. You were so giving, always wanting to please and make people happy. You were so easy to parent because you cared and loved so much. You were a great sister and friend. We can still hear your laugh and see you speed by on your bike. We can still see you jumping off the diving board or dribbling the basketball. We still kiss you good night and say good morning to you when we wake. You simply LOVED living and wanted to experience all that life had to offer. So it makes no sense at all that you were taken from us, from this life. You were just beginning. We just do not know how to live this life without you. We will always be incomplete without you.We can not wait till we can be together again as a family.

The Rachel Lee Memorial Fund decided to create the Rachel Lee All  American Award. This award will be given to a classmate of Rachel's that exhibits all that Rachel herself was about. The classmate will have to be an honor student, participate in extra curricular activities, have good character and be high in spirit.
This year we asked the 5th grade teachers in Rachel's school to nominate 2 students from each of their classes that they felt demonstrates these characteristics. The students then had to write an essay depicting why and how they had these qualities. A panel of judges that knew Rachel well then read each essay and collectively a winner was chosen.This year,  the 1st Annual Rachel Lee All American Award went to Vanessa Archangelo. Her prize? A check for $250....congratulations Vanessa!

Thank you to all the classmates nominated. It was not easy chosing a winner...to us you are all winners.

RACHEL ELIZABETH LEE

March 28, 1998 -  August 9, 2008

Rachel was diagnosed with a brain tumor in September of 2007, while she was in the 4th grade. She was an amazing little girl who fought hard to beat her cancer NEVER once complaining. Sadly she lost her battle in August of 2008.

She loved life and everything it had to offer. She was an exceptional artist which was her passion. A talented and speedy athlete enjoying all sports especially soccer, basketball and skiing. She was very intelligent, missing only 2 questions on her MCAS! She had a fantastic sense of humor and a quick wit, a radiant smile and she exuded happiness.

To honor Rachel's memory, we have created the Rachel Lee Memorial Fund to benefit all that Rachel loved: art, sports and education in the town that loved and supported her so much. If you would like to contribute to this fund, you may either send a check to:

The Rachel Lee Memorial Fund

c/o Athol Savings Bank

52 Main Street

Ashburnham  MA 01430

There are no words to express the deep loss that is left with her passing. We are deeply saddened and will never understand why someone with such a zest for life was taken from this world so soon.

We will forever miss you Rachel. We love you.....forever, for always, no matter what. You're our bestest girl Rachie. XX/OO

Mom and Dad         

Jacob, Jessica, and Rebecca