- Jf
In Loving Memory
1992-2014
On Nov. 4, the Guilford conununity lost Rachel Lindner Leahy '14. After
fighting liver and kidney disorders for about two weeks, Rachel suffered
a stroke that ultimately left her unresponsive. She was only 22 years old.
Rachel graduated with a degree in English last May and was working
as the admissions marketing associate in fhe office of communications and
marketing and admission.
"Rachel was the kind of person that, within five minutes of meeting her,
you knew she was a special soul," said Angela Reiter, senior director of
the office of communications and marketing. "Our hearts are broken, and
we feel so incomplete without her running aroimd the office barefoot and
making us smile."
As an English major, she had a great appreciation for words and was
well read. An intelligent and dedicated student, she challenged many
ways of thinking and encouraged her fellow students to do so as well.
"Rachel was a great study partner," said Ashley Lynch '14. "She was
smart, determined and pushed me to keep going."
Many friends and faj^y wrote messages on Leahy's Facebook wall.
"Rachel, you will always be a part of our lives," said senior Ines Sanchez
De Lozada in a Facebook post. "We all love you and will forever carry
you in our hearts. I will always think of you while driving aroimd Falls
Church's tree-filled streets and will always feel your presence in the
beautiful Guilford woods. Rest in peace, sweet girl."
By Molly Schneider, staff writer
“We thank you all for your
thoughts, prayers, and warm
wishes during the past
two weeks. The Guilford
community is impressive, and
the enthusiasm and spirit that
you mustered in support of
Rachel is truly remarkable. Deb
and I are so glad that Rachel
went to Guilford College and
met so many wonderful people.
And we are honored not only
to have been able to witness the
way you rallied around Rachel
in her time of need but also to
have been warmed ourselves by
the love you shared with her.”
Mike Leahy, Rachels father
“There are memories worth
sharing here: we danced to Public
Image ITD’s “Albatross” on a
Greenleaf shift; you yelled at me
for being a snob about insignificant
things. You have always deserved
something more, something I can
never offer. I love you, friend.”
Lyes Benarbane ^14
“More than anything, I
remember those several
hour long conversations
we used to have about
everything ever. You were
the first person I really
warmed up to in college.
That was a really big year.
I’m glad I got to share it
with you.”
“I will always remember
those nights we stayed
up till 3 a.m. studying
for midterms and final
exams. I couldn’t have
survived it without you.
Thank you for always
being an awesome friend
and partner. I will never
look at John Milton’s
‘Paradise Lost’ without
thinking of you.”
Ashley Lynch ‘14
Max Williams ‘14
“I knew Rachel about as well as anyone,
and Fve never met anyone as beautiful and'
complex. Tm incredibly grateful for the years I
was able to share with her and I am happy that
so many people in the Guilford community got
to know and love her as all. Tm certain that I
will never stop missing her.”
Gabe Monroe ^15
A memorial fund has been started in Rachel’s honor. If you wish
to donate, visit the Facebook page titled “Rachel Linder Leahy
Memorial Fund” for more details.