Rachael Siobhan Dianne Kilroy passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 25, 2015.
Born in Providence on June 29, 1981 she was 34 years old. She leaves behind her beloved son, Isaiah Lawrence, her parents, Larry and Johanna Kilroy of Newport, her brothers, Joshua Kilroy and wife Ann Schaffer of Chicago, Noah Kilroy of Fall River, Danny Kilroy of New Bedford, her sisters, Samantha Brinz and husband John Brinz of North Kingstown, and Annie Laurie Kilroy and fiancé Dave Lemire of East Providence. She was the loving aunt of Aidan, Medinat, Tatiana, Tristen, and Danny Jr. She also leaves behind many loved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Rachael was especially close to her aunt and namesake, Dianne Grinnell (of Middletown).
Rachael had a smile that lit up a room and a personality to match. She bravely fought the disease of mental health and addiction for over 20 years. We are grateful to all the organizations and community people who offered their services throughout those years.
Before Rachael’s problems began in adolescence, there were happier times. As a toddler she would wake up singing brightening our days. Her years at Carey Elementary School, St. Mary’s Church and playing sports were good ones and she made friends then who were loyal to the end. She was so proud of graduating from City Year in 2001, earning her GED and serving the children of Sullivan Elementary in Newport. Those years and her work at Sullivan School were times of success that meant so much to her. She also loved working with her father at his bakery, Frasch Confectionary. Rachael had a hearty laugh, was funny, loud and would usually greet with you with a big bear hug. Her proudest accomplishment and light of her life was her son Isaiah, whom she loved deeply.
Her family is heartbroken over her tragic death but comforted by all of the people who have reached out with love and compassion and sharing their memories of her. We hope that her life will not be defined by her death but that she will be remembered as the caring, complicated, big-hearted woman we loved.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at the Community Baptist Church, 50 Dr. Marcus F. Wheatland Blvd, Newport at 11 am. Family will receive friends and visitors at 10:30 am prior to service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rachael’s memory may be made to Turning Around Ministries, P.O. Box 3151, Newport, RI 02840, or by visiting www.tamri.org
