Rachel Milan MacGregor

1974 - 2021

(July 24, 1974 - January 17, 2021) Rachel Milan MacGregor was a shooting star across the sky: bright and shimmering yet visible for far too short a time. Her strength, grace and resilience remain, however. Those who loved her and those whom she loved will continue to be blessed by the gifts of her joy and goodness. Rachel's purest essence lives on in her sweet family, who she adored and was fiercely committed to. It can be seen in the tender and open-hearted way her daughter Marin lives and loves in the world. Rachel's confidence and passion live on in her son Liam, a born entrepreneur and a soulful young man of depth. The very best of Rachel can also be seen in her first-born, Cameron, who shares her beautiful way with words and a quiet yet dignified way of being in the world. Rachel's goodness lives on in her husband Rob as well. He was the love of her life, the devoted partner who stood by her as she stood by him, no matter what came their way. Rachel was a mother, wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, godmother and friend. She loved her family from every corner of her magnificent heart, and they, in turn, adored her right back. Surrounded by familial love as she grew up in Hamilton, the Milan family gave her the wings to fly and an overhand serve that rocked the volleyball court. The best of Rachel is also reflected in her adoring circle of friends. She connected with people so easily, shining her light in a way that drew others to her goodness, kindness, easy laugh and authenticity. Their love for her is witnessed in their collective grief at the news of her passing, but it's also seen in the stories and the laughter and joy in the retelling of those stories. This is what Rachel is to all of us who knew and loved her. We had our own individual experiences with her but with exquisitely common themes. To all of us, Rachel was the definition of love, joy, tenacity, loyalty, exuberance, creativity and happiness. Impatience, too, but it was the 'get the job done so we can have some fun' kind of impatience. This, too, was Rachel. Rachel's professional accomplishments were considerable. A creative businesswoman, writer and strategist, she enjoyed a career that included retail, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, the Hamilton Tiger Cats, the City of Burlington and the credit union system. She also founded her own marketing company. Among her favourite pursuits in her last year of life was a collaboration in the design of stunning jewelry with a message of hope and gratitude. This collaboration with Giftologie was more than a creative outlet for Rachel; it was a gift to others, a fundraiser for research into young women with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer, like Rachel. Always the advocate and natural leader, Rachel also forged and lit the path of understanding for others through her brilliant autobiographical blog, leocancerpisces. Gifted with a sweeping capacity for happiness, a naughty sense of humour and a soul-deep kindness, Rachel was a friend to everyone as well as to herself. She fought for herself and the beautiful life she and Rob created with everything she had. She defied the odds over and over. Rachel was a living miracle who stayed on this earth until she was ready to leave, which she did peacefully and without pain, on her terms and in her own time. Those left behind are devastated, broken-hearted and bereft. Still, there is a glimmer of peace that will grow over time, knowing that this warrior is finally at rest and likely regaling all the angels in heaven with her hilarious stories. Left to mourn Rachel are her devoted husband Robert, and her children Cameron, Liam and Marin; her parents Renzo and Brenda Milan; her sister Lisa (Jay) and brother Tom (Lauren); nephew Charlie; nieces Ruby and Stella; her grandfather, Mel Galdenzi as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and a legion of friends and colleagues. Rachel, we see you in the stars now. You are cherished and will never be forgotten. We extend our deep appreciation to the amazing doctors and nurses who treated Rachel with the utmost respect and dignity along her eight-year journey: Dr. Mark Levine (Juravinski Centre), Dr. Philippe Bedard (Princess Margaret Hospital), Dr. Brian Kerley (Niagara North Family Health) and Nurse Babes. Further, our deep-felt gratitude goes to her friends, Milena Welden, her "Sorella" from another mother, Kathy Matkin-Clapton, her soulmate from Alberta, Pauline Wilts and Nikki Kalas, who provided Rachel's continuous sustenance. Sei amata oltre misura. You are loved beyond measure. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 Restrictions, there will be no service at this time. Cremation has taken place, and a Mass and celebration of Rachel's life will be announced at a future date. Arrangements made to Smiths Funeral Home , Grimsby .sign in book of condolences, https://www.smithsfh.com/memorials/rachel-macgregor/4503447/obituary.php