Rachel Macaylee Turner

2001 - 2024

December 10, 2001 - October 13, 2024 It is with profound sadness that we announce on October 13, 2024, Rachel Macaylee Turner, 22, succumbed to injuries suffered as a result of being struck by a vehicle. Rachel was born in Toronto on December 10, 2001, to loving parents, Susan and Leon. Two years later, younger brother, Nathan, arrived, followed by baby sister, Lauren, in 2005. The three siblings were constant companions, sharing a love for the beach, the zoo and Lynde Shores, where they enjoyed feeding the birds together. Always an animal lover, Rachel adored her cat, Jax, and dog, Piper. Rachel's ambition, determination and inquisitive nature drove her to impressive academic achievements and set the stage for limitless future success. She attended Balmy Beach, Glen Ames and Malvern Collegiate. Along with starting the Malvern Business Council and playing hockey and lacrosse, she discovered her love for travel on a school trip to Japan. She went on to visit more than 20 countries in her lifetime. Upon graduation from Malvern, she attended Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, majoring in Business Administration with a co-op option, and minoring in Political Science. Rachel made the most of her university experience, participating in many clubs and activities. Among her favourites were Laurier's student-run Mighty Hawks program, where she helped prepare young adults with developmental challenges to gain employment, and the Minor League Summer Baseball League, or MLSB. She loved the last summer she spent in Waterloo as one of the Commissioners of the league. Following graduation from Laurier, Rachel chose to travel again before beginning her career. It was during this time that she met her soulmate, Matt. In January of this year, the young couple took a leap of faith in their new relationship, embarking on the trip of a lifetime – a seven-month journey to Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. This was the best decision of their lives. Rachel came home from the trip the happiest she had ever been. Their true love shines through in every smile, in every picture. With the love of her life set, Rachel was planning for the future. Along with studying for the GMAT and setting up to pursue her MBA, Rachel was quite passionate about practicing mindfulness through journaling, meditation and yoga. She enjoyed going to the gym and loved to cook, bake and read. Rachel also limited her exposure to social media and encouraged others to do the same. She championed living in the moment, and would strike up a conversation with anybody. She recognized the value of human interaction and sought out the good in everyone. Rachel was predeceased by her grandparents, Judy and Gordon. Survived by her adoring grandparents, Cecelia and John; her aunts and uncles, Leila and Ray, Anne and Bill, Sheila and Tom, Brian and Cheryl, and Julie and Grant; and her cousins, Matthew, Megan, Eric, Braden, Carly, Ryan, Chloe, Isabella, Reid, Ella and Kai. The Turner family would like to express its deep gratitude to Dr. Goffi, RNs Emily R. and Emily B., and all of the doctors, nurses and support staff on the 9th Floor at St. Michael's Hospital. Thank you for your immense kindness and empathy during the final stage of Rachel's life. Rachel was an intelligent, kind, caring, thoughtful and selfless soul. Her final selfless act was signing her organ donor card so that five families could be saved. To our precious Rachel, we are so immensely proud of you and our love for you will never fade. We miss you everyday. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at The Balmy Beach Club on Monday, October 21st at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe page has been set up to establish The Rachel Turner Legacy Fund. The purpose of the fund is to ensure Rachel's generous spirit and empathy lives on by helping to provide resources and needed support, including crisis counseling, to young people. Money raised will be donated to organizations doing the great work Rachel would have done and to causes she would have supported. Your contribution will help to ensure that Rachel Turner will continue to have a positive impact on people in need at the most vulnerable formative stages of their young lives. Condolences may be left at www.aftercare.org.