Rachel E. Townsend

Anna and I were very sorry to learn of Rachel's passing. Rachel and Bruce were among the first core faculty of the law school. Bruce had many opportunities to go elsewhere but was committed to this law school and its mission. Rachel was an equal partner in this mission. We remember with fondness our early days at the school and our pleasant hours with fellow Iowans.
Anna and Jim White

Rachel and Bruce Townsend were dear friends who welcomed us to the Law School and the larger community nearly 40 years ago. They played a role in our decisions to make our lives here. Rachel's strength and love helped Bruce become a leader of the legal community and one of the most beloved professors in the Law School's history. Bruce and Rachel not only left their imprint here but in national organizations such as the Uniform Law Commission where people from around the country asked us...

Rachel and Bruce Townsend were dear friends and mentors to us. They were instrumental in causing us to spend our lives in Indianapolis and at the IU School of Law Indianapolis, which they taught us to love almost as much as they did. Just two days ago they were in our thoughts when the following was written in teaching materials for a course offered at the Law School. "Here’s the kind of statute that has been enacted to address this issue in some states. The statutory language came from a...

Susan and Bill,
You have our deepest sympathies. We knew and loved your mom and dad and have many fond memories of both of them. I recall the time when they were jointly hosting a faculty gathering with us at our house, and Susan and Rachel left their dog in the car. He really tore up the interior including shredding the headliner. We were at their house often and they at ours.
Ron and Mary Ann Polston

Rachel Townsend was a gracious lady who sustained her husband, Bruce, faculty members, students, and the Indianapolis Law School. She knew the Law School when it was small and outstanding, when it became large and outstanding, and when if offered a core curriculum in the law that was without equal in Indiana because it had a faculty that was not surpassed.
I am happy to salute her and her husband, Bruce, and remember their contribution to the academic program that existed and,...

as a former student of bruce, and a friend of bill, i am saddened by the passing of rachel. she was always there for her family. tom mote, (i.u. 1965)