Rachelle Quinn's Obituary
Rachelle Quinn, 49, of New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on June 10, 2025, after gracefully and positively navigating her journey with cancer over the past year.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, on November 18, 1975, she was the beloved daughter of Mary Ann Lorimer (née Mc Gee) and the late James Quinn, and the cherished stepdaughter of Thomas Lorimer. Rachelle was the devoted sister and best friend of Maria Quinn, and the loving aunt of her daughters, Tsebay and Kozette, whom she adored. She also held a special place in her heart for Tom’s family—Thomas (Michele), Jamie (Kimberly), and the late Todd—and was a proud aunt to their seven children. Rachelle cherished time with her extended family and found joy in bringing loved ones together. She was a beloved niece and cousin to many across the Lee, McGee, Lorimer, Quinn, and Wood families.
A true free spirit, Rachelle lived a vibrant and unconventional life that took her across the country and beyond. She spent years on the beaches of Hawaii, her soul deeply rooted in its culture and spirit.She spent time in Costa Rica, South Carolina, California, and eventually Hawaii again,before returning to the East Coast to be close to family and childhood friends. She loved the outdoors, and could often be found surfing, kayaking, hiking, or soaking up the sun on the beach. When she was not outdoors she was watching the Phils, catching up on pop culture, listening to a podcast or attending a concert.
Rachelle had a generous heart and a creative soul. She danced to the beat of her own drum and didn’t always play by the rules. She made her mark through her connections with others. Her professional life reflected her compassionate spirit — she worked as a social worker supporting individuals in recovery and as a case manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she helped create lifelong connections. Over the past decade, she lovingly cared for children as a nanny to families who became dear friends, and also served as a substitute teacher in the Cinnaminson School District, where her warmth and presence made a lasting impression on many students.
One of her proudest accomplishments was her Everyday Light Mural. .She was able to bring artist Isaiah Zagar—famous for Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens—to Maui, Hawaii, and connect him with high school students. With Rachelle’s leadership they worked together to create a mural allowing a piece of Philly to live on in her beloved island home. It was the perfect symbol of the way Rachelle bridged worlds, cultures, and people.
Rachelle’s life was grounded in deep faith and spiritual exploration. Baptized Catholic and a follower of Buddhist philosophy, she embraced the principles of love, compassion, and interconnectedness. "Aloha" and "ohana" weren’t just words to her—they were a way of life. She offered guidance freely and had an uncanny ability to connect, uplift, and truly see people. Her gift was empathy, and her legacy is the love she poured into the lives of others.
A memorial mass to celebrate Rachelle’s beautiful life will be held on Tuesday, June 24th at 12:00pm at Sacred Heart Church in Riverton, NJ. At Rachelle’s request please dress comfortably and add some color, just like she would. A reception and celebration of life will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rachelle’s name may be made to causes close to her heart:
Good Counsel Homes, www.goodcounselhomes.org
Arbor Day Foundation/Plant a Cluster of Trees, www.arborday.org
Saint Francis Inn Ministries, www.stfrancisinn.org
Cornerstone Philly, www.cccphilly.com
Let her memory be a reminder to live boldly, love deeply, and never be afraid to dance to your own rhythm.
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