As of December 5, 2023, Heaven is a bit brighter as Rachael Lee Bauckham, our “Rey” of Sunshine, is now shining with The Son. Despite her lengthy and difficult battle with Parkinsonism, Rey continued to share her lifelong gift of spreading sunshine to her friends and family to the very end. Many of life’s blessings that made Rey shine with joy included Special Olympics, Circle of Friends, music therapy, Zumba classes, performing with Kalamazoo Kids on Stage, dancing and singing, giving speeches of love, eating her favorite foods, being silly with her nephews, and spending time with those she loved. We are so grateful for the amazing care our family received through Centrica Care. Rey’s nurses became part of our family for almost three years, and enabled Rey to enjoy a quality of life for much longer than originally anticipated. We will sorely miss Rey’s bright smile and rays of love, but will always carry her sunshine in our hearts.

Rey is survived by Rob and Lynda Bauckham (her parents), Brian and Jessica Wilmarth (her brother-in-law and sister), Micah and Levi Wilmarth (her nephews), aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.