Roll Call Tribute

https://www.forevermissed.com/rachel-shupe/#lifestory

Rachel M. Shupe 1978 - 2018

Christmas picture, taken at the end of October 2017.

Rachel (Len) Marquardt Shupe, beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend, passed away in Houston on the 6th of February, 2018. She was born on October 5, 1978 in Fort Worth, Texas and grew up in Ryan Place, a friendly neighborhood with a strong sense of community. She did competitive gymnastics until she was 12 and won first place at State in the All-Around before an early retirement.

In high school she played varsity volleyball at Paschal High School where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from Texas A&M, then worked as an external auditor at Deloitte for seven years, during which time she earned her CPA certification. Rachel’s focus in healthcare helped her transition to Texas Children’s Hospital, her work home from 2009 until the time of her passing. Rachel would humbly say she “worked in administration,” her mother would gladly clarify that she was the Vice President of Finance and led an organization of over ninety employees.

Rachel’s family was her pride and joy. She and Jacob met completely by chance on New Year’s Eve a few months after she moved to Houston. He was checking his phone at the bar where they were both ordering a drink, and she threw him a truly Rachel-worthy quip about his texting habits so late at night. Jacob sought her out to ensure she had a glass of champagne at midnight, but they went their separate ways without even exchanging names. Ten days later Jacob got the best birthday present when a familiar-looking young woman tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Thanks again for the champagne,” and walked away. Jacob was hooked and Rachel knew it (but then again she always knew things before he did, as he can attest). Last month marked fifteen years since their first date; they were married in Austin in 2008 surrounded by friends, family, and a gorgeous Texas sky.

In 2011, Rachel gave birth to Connor Paul. He’s in first grade, he loves sports and art, and thanks to his mom introducing him to the show, he wants to be an American Ninja Warrior. Caitlyn Elizabeth followed in 2014; she’s in pre-school, she’s as smart and sassy as her mother, and America’s Funniest Videos makes her laugh so hard she almost cries. They both share Rachel’s kind heart and sense of humor.

Rachel cared about making the world better for others, whether it was a simple gesture like stocking up on your favorite treat before you came to visit, or something bigger, like getting lots of friends and colleagues together to remove the walls, floor, and furniture from her father-in-law’s house after it was flooded by Harvey. If she could make things a little better, she did. After the storm she went to Costco and filled a giant cart full of supplies for Houston Pets Alive. When she dropped them off, the woman asked whether she had cats or dogs at home and Rachel replied, “Neither.” She didn’t have pets at the time, she just heard they were short on supplies so she stepped up.

In July 2016, Rachel was diagnosed with what would later turn out to be a very rare type of Stage IV Kidney Cancer. She worked with the best doctors in Texas (UT Southwestern and Houston Methodist Hospital were her favorites) and pursued every treatment option and clinical trial available. While her health may have declined, her gratitude and sense of humor did not. She said she was “thankful to have celebrated last Christmas and New Years at home with family, even if the sparkling cider used for the toast was awful,” (it really was). A few days before her passing she told one of her oldest friends, “You gotta bust me out of here.” Candice said, “How about the beach,” to which Rachel replied, “Perfect.”

Rachel was the best of people. She worked hard, she helped others, and she brought joy to the people around her. She is survived by her husband Jacob, son Connor, daughter Caitlyn, mother Ginna (Fischer, TX), father Leonard (Fort Worth, TX), brother Aaron (Monroe, LA), sister Rebecca (New York, NY), and countless other family and friends.

Her spirit burned bright and her light will be with us always.


This memorial website was created in memory of Rachel Shupe, 39, born on October 5, 1978 and passed away on February 6, 2018. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend to so many who are forever changed for knowing her.


A memorial service will be held this Sunday, February 11, 2018 at Bellaire United Methodist Church, 4417 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to UT Southwestern Medical Center, P. O. Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391-0888 or online at engage.utsouthwestern.edu (under Other Designation write, “Dr. Hans Hammers’ Kidney Cancer Research”).