Rachel Auspitz

Rachel Auspitz animated our group of Youth Expression Theater, back in 1983-84 with incredible energy, humor, and warmth. She of course held a wonderful stage presence, but most enjoyed connecting with members of the audience one on one in heart-felt conversation, when an audience member would open up to her after our performance. At the end of the year when we were discussing what it would mean to end the troupe, some of us said how bonded we were to each other, how we should keep up...

Its strange this appeared in my box, I was thinking about Rachel this week, reading he poetry at Out of the Blue, and coming to things at the Zeitgeist. . .I guess her energy is out and about. I was also thinking about conversations we had about reading poetry (or playing music) for people who were more into drama than art. That has really stayed with me, and helped me get a grip, a huge amount, through the particular times I am walking, even all these years later. Love and energy to you all...

I wish to express my very very belated condolences to Kate and Lee on the loss of your daughter Rachel.
Kate - I will always be connected to your family, whose presence in my early childhood development was influential and formative. My love for your parents continues. All my love to you and Lee.
Sincerely,
Mark Abrahams, Ph.D.

From Rachel’s colleagues and friends at Cambridge Cares about AIDS:


Rachel was a great person who will be sorely missed. She was always there to help with no questions asked or needing nothing in return. It’s true when they say “only the good die young” Patrick

Rachel is like a superstar – always shining. Everyday I think about Rachel. She was always smiling. She never judged. She always made me feel good. Rachel had a heart bigger than the world itself. ...

These are the memories of Rachel read at her funeral service, September 7, 2011.

The first is from her grandmother, Gabriella Auspitz Labson:

A LAST LETTER TO MY GRANDDAUGHTER RACHEL

My dear warm-hearted, humorous, creative and highly intelligent granddaughter,

Thank you for the many cards, drawings, and theatrical skills you shared with me over the years. I shall never forget your visiting us on your own in Philadelphia at age five, entertaining...

A tribute from Ayala Livny, M.Ed, Program Manager,
Youth on Fire (a program of AIDS Action)


A few weeks before Rachel's death, she spoke at the funeral of a young Youth on Fire member who died of an overdose. Rachel, as she always did, spoke with a firey passion and deep conviction.

"This isn't supposed to happen." She said. "Young users aren't supposed to die like this. She was me - I was once a troubled 18 year old. But I...

i just learned of this unhappy news- rachel was around zeitgeist alot, and i liked her, had many amazing conversations about everything from poetry and society to the most daily of things her- rachel, i'd hoped to see you next week, and i'm sorry we didn't hang out last winter before i moved away- so firey a person! all good energies. . . . .katt

"Here's looking at you, kid..."Thirteen years, four months, and 20 days- the best time of my life.