STEUBEN – Rachel Cydni-Lynn Pearson, 8, died peacefully at home with her parents beside her, after a long fight with a genetic condition, metachromatic leukodystrophy. She was born April 1, 2000, in Ellsworth, to Samuel and Judy (Shephard) Pearson. Rachel had a beautiful personality. She was fun loving and liked especially to tease her dad. Her disease stole her personality and beautiful smiles at around the age of 3 when she declined quite rapidly. She was kept comfortable by her wonderful doctors, starting with Dr. Jonathan Fanburg, then Dr. Sheena Whittaker, Dr. Peter Keebler and her physical therapist, Barrie Flagg. In addition to her parents, Rachel is survived by grandparents, “Gammie and Gampa” John and Jane (Smith) Shephard of Steuben, Mary (Pearson) Belch of Nashua, N.H., and Anthony Belch Sr. of Blackstone, Mass.; and great-grandmother, Christie Smith “MeMe” of Steuben. She is also survived by a very special Uncle Tony and Auntie Elizabeth; aunts and uncles, Greg, Lisa, Donna and Tyrone, and Sue; great-aunts and great-uncles, Pauline and Paul West, Carolyn and Robert West, Joanne Gerry and Janet Belch; and several wonderful cousins. Rachel had two very dear friends, Cypress Werman, they called each other “Buddy,” and Jazmine Hodgkins, who is known as “Jammin.” She was predeceased by great-grandfather, Roger Smith “Pup-Pup.” Rachel’s mom thanks dear friends, Cyndi, Elizabeth, Katina, Joanie, Lorna, Ava, Kathy and Crystal for their support throughout the last few years. And mom and dad together thank all the dear friends at the Kingdom Hall for years worth of cards, visits and prayers. A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at Kingdom Hall, Route 1, Steuben. Visiting with the family will be after the service at approximately 2:30 p.m. at Parish House, Steuben. Those who would like may make donations to Steuben Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, care of Kenneth Ayers, 12 Skillings Lane, Hancock, ME 04640 or the Make-A-Wish Foundation nearest them. A service of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge. www.bragdonkelley.com
RACHEL CYDNI-LYNN PEARSON
