Rachel Neueli Pese's Obituary
Rachel, 17, was born May 16, 1988 in Honolulu, HI. She was the second of three children bornto Neueli and Rose Pese. On January 28, 2006, after a long 13-year battle with scleroderma, Rachel passed away gracefully and peacefully at The ChildrenÂ's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle with her mother lying with her at her side. By medical standards, she survived the longest of any patient inflicted by this deadly disease. She fought the good fight and battled to the end, and her faith in God never wavered. Her courage and spirit in face of adversity were an inspiration to all she met. She lived in Silverdale, WA with her family since 1988. She attended Silver Ridge Elementary and Ridgetop Junior High in Silverdale, WA and Olympic High School in Bremerton, WA. She is survived by her mother Rosalie Manuma Pese and two brothers, Richard and Robert. Her father, Neueli, recently passed away three months prior.Viewing will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Tacoma on Sunday, February 5, from 1 to 9 P.M. Memorial Services will be held on February 6 at 9 A.M. at the First Samoan CongregationalChristian Church of Tacoma located on 3717 Portland Ave. Burial will follow at the Tahoma National Cemetery at 1P.M. Rachel Pese will be laid to rest at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA.God saw that she was getting tiredAnd the cure was not to be,So He put His arms around herAnd whispered, "Come with Me."A golden heart stopped beating,Busy little hands to rest.God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.It's lonesome here without youWe miss you so each day,Our lives aren't the sameSince you went away.When days are sad and lonely,And everything goes wrong,We seem to hear you whisper,"Cheer up and carry on."Each time we see your picture,You seem to smile and say,"Don't cry, I'm in God's keeping,We'll meet again someday."Thank You I wish to extend my most profound and sincerest thanks for each act of kindness and love extended to me and my family during this most difficult time. To my loving families and dearest of friends, thank you all for your amazing gestures of compassion and generosity. Your visits, all night vigils, phone calls, prayersand soothing words of love and support, including your ownpersonal sacrifices have been overwhelming. Thank you to theEFKAS Tacoma church members for your thoughts, prayers andespecially to the Elder Reverend and Mrs. Ulisese Sala for yourcontinued spiritual guidance. Thank you to the Navy/MarineCorps Relief Society for your professional assistance. You are acredit to your organization. To the doctors, nurses and entirestaff at ChildrenÂ's Hospital who went above and beyond to makesure Rachel was comfortable and ensured that she was never wanting for anything. Your jobs are among the most challenging, and you have my deepest appreciation for your hardwork, warmth and compassion. I know you touched her soul as much as she touched yours. Thank you again to all my extended families and friends who traveled near and far to be with us in celebrating RachelÂ's going home. And last but not least, to my brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews who traveled from Hawaii and across the continental U.S for just being here. Words canÂ't express how much love and gratitude Ifeel in your presence. Our bond is unbreakable and through your prayers, words of encouragement and our faith in God and each other, we will heal. As each day passes, IÂ'm reminded of RachelÂ's warm smile and girlish laugh. She is finally home and at peace.Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.Blessings and Love,Rose, Richard and Robert PeseRachel Neueli PeseR - For her RADIANT smile we all loveA - For her ANGELIC touch from aboveC - For her CHRISTIAN heritage so bestowedH - For her HAPPY heart as white as snowE - For her EYES that twinkle like heavenly starsL - For the LOVE she brings near and farCourageDeuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.I think I need courage more than anything right now. Faith. Faith will take me home...one way or another. ItÂ's my faith that will carry me through and I need to be strong and keep this verse in my head and heart because my faith cannot be wavered and I cannot give into fear. Not after coming this far into the forest. IÂ'm half way in now itÂ's time to come out. ItÂ's the only place to go and my faith and courage will carry and lead me out now. IÂ'm sure. I believe.A LETTER FROM HEAVENTo my dearest family,some things I'd like to say.But first of all to let you know,that I arrived okay.I'm writing this from Heaven,where I dwell with God above.Where there are no tears or sadness,there is just eternal love.Please do not be unhappy,just because I'm out of sight.Remember that I'm with you,every morning, noon, and night.That day I had to leave you,when my life on Earth was through,God picked me up and hugged me,and He said, "I welcome you"."It's good to have you back again,you were missed while you were gone.As for your dearest family,they'll be here later on.""I need you here so badly,as part of My big plan.There's so much that We have to do,to help our mortal man".Then God gave me a list of thingsHe wished for me to do,and foremost on that list of mine,is to watch and care for you.I will be beside you,every day of the week and year.And when you're sad, I'm standing thereto wipe away the tear.And when you lie in bed at night,the days chores put to flight,God and I are closest to youin the middle of the night.When you think of my life on Earth,and all those loving years,because you're only human,there's bound to be some tears.Do not be afraid to cry,it does relieve some pain.Remember, there would be no flowers,without a little rain.I wish that I could tell you,of all that God has planned.But if I were to tell you,you would not understand.One thing is for certain,though my life on Earth is over,I am closer to you now,than I ever was before.And to my family and my friends,trust God to know whatÂ's best.I am not far away from you,I'm just beyond the crest.There are rocky roads ahead for you,and many hills that you must climb.Together we can do it,one day at a time.It was my philosophy,and I'd like for you too,that is, give unto the World,so the World will give to you.If you can help someonewho's in sorrow or in pain,then you can say to God at night,my day was not in vain.And now I am contentedthat my life, it was worthwhile.Knowing, as I passed along the way,I made somebody smile.When you're walking down the street,and you've got me on your mind,I'm walking in your footsteps,only half a step behind.And when you feel a gentle breezeof wind upon your face,that's me giving you a great big hug,or just a soft embrace.When it's time for you to gofrom that body to be free,remember you are not going,you are coming home to me.I will always love you,from that place way up above.I will be in touch again soon,P.S. God sends His Love.
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