Clelian Heights is feeling nostalgic.

9 hours ago

This morning, we gathered in St. Joseph Chapel at Clelian Heights to remember and celebrate the life of Rachel Spurrier. ❤️

Rachel was part of the Clelian family for more than 50 years, and today’s Memorial Mass and celebration was filled with the kind of memories that capture exactly who Rachel was — her personality, her humor, her love of rock music and the unforgettable way she made her mark on so many lives.

We wanted to share these beautiful words and memories from today’s Mass:

Good morning! Let me start by saying, “Hi, Hi!”

Thank you all for coming this morning to remember Rachel in prayer at this Memorial Mass and to celebrate her life with food and fellowship after Mass. I’m sure everyone in these pews has a favorite Rachel story or memory. It’s hard not too since Rachel was a part of the Clelian family for over 50 years.

Most of the stories I heard this week were of people’s first encounters with Rachel that occurred on their first days or weeks on the job. The day our cook, Tracy, began working here, she encountered Rach when she came upstairs to vacuum and set up the Sisters’ Dining Room. Then she disappeared, and Tracy went into panic mode! Jonni quickly eased her mind by telling her to look in Sr. Dolorita’s room—and there she was, contentedly working on her latch hook rug.

On Danielle’s first day, she witnessed Rachel casually slipping one of the ATF coloring books into her waistband so she could take it to her apartment. Danielle was certainly taken off guard! Jamie had her own experience when she discovered that the strange noise she heard in the back of the room was Rachel chugging Jamie’s Pepsi. Jamie had mistakenly set it down beside Rachel!

When Rachel’s sentences started with “OOO OOO,” you knew there was a good song coming on her vintage yellow radio! Rachel’s taste in music was awesome, as was her aim, especially when throwing fake snowballs at Sr. Mary Louise.

Rachel loved playing all sports, and we loved watching her wave to the bowling balls and bocci balls after she sent them on their way.

Mary Jean loved when she and Rachel would do a pinch and a punch on the first of the month.

The more we talked about Rachel, the more the memories came flooding back. We are still finding Rachel’s distinct printing on the inside covers of books, which always included her name and the various places she traveled while riding her stationary bicycle. Pictures of the kissy faces she used to make with Sebastian make everyone smile! We miss Rachel being part of our daily lives and the joy she brought to us. We especially loved the hugs she shared with us that lasted forever!

Kate, thank you for sharing your sister with all of us! She was a blessing, and we are deeply grateful to have encountered Rachel on this journey of life. Our pint-sized headbanger will live in our hearts and souls forever!🤘🏻🎸🤩💜 ... See MoreSee Less

Clelian Heights

2 days ago

Roman took on something new —training on the industrial dishwasher in our main kitchen—and did an awesome job! Way to go, Roman! 👏👏 ... See MoreSee Less

Clelian Heights

2 days ago

➡How cool is this?! Our Home Ec class made Italian hoagies topped with fresh tomatoes grown right here in our school garden! 🥪🍅 ... See MoreSee Less