Rachel Elizabeth Ellingson

“It’s not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.”  Tolkien

And so it was that on January 6, 2019, Rachel’s body was no longer strong enough. It had served its purpose here on earth.  Her spirit, however, remains strong, free and lives on in all who loved her.

Rachel was an “old soul”, unique in every way and her life was full of experiences to match.  From a young age she made friends easily wherever she went; she had a heart full of kindness and compassion; she loved music and dance and making her sister perform in her original musicals and one-act plays.  She was graceful, goofy, gorgeous and she loved alliterations!  She was the consummate prankster and despite warnings that went out among family and friends every April Fool’s Day, she was always able to trick a few of us anyway!  She was also extremely grateful for all that she had been given and was committed to helping others see the good in themselves.  She was strong, courageous and faced her fears with dignity and poise.

Despite being afraid to fly, Rach had a strong wanderlust that was not dampened by her diagnosis.  In the space of a few weeks, she traveled half-way around the world and back to The Philippines for work with a stop in Hong Kong before meeting Daniel, her husband-to-be in Dubai, then flying to London to spend time with his family and finally back to New York.

When Rachel recently met a new friend in New York, she was asked to give a brief description of herself.  These are her words: “I was born on 7-24-82 in Fargo, North Dakota.  I have one sister (two years younger) who is my absolute best friend.  I went to a Catholic high school.  I’ve always had good friends growing up and I’m very, very loyal to them.  I’ve always known from an early age I was an incredibly sensitive person, I would respond to my emotions very strongly.  My absolute favorite book of all time is “The Art of Racing in the Rain” (if you haven’t read it, I think you would love it).  I’m an attorney, but don’t practice law.  I work for a company (Integreon) that provides legal support to big firms and corporations and I manage an account for them.  I’m married to a British guy who I met in 2004 while we were working in D.C.  He’s funny and sarcastic, like me and has definitely been there to keep things light when things have been a tad on the dark or heavy side.  I really don’t have a fear of dying any longer; it’s more of a fear for my family to lose me.  It’s clear that my greatest love is my family.  My second greatest love is the Minnesota lakes and pine trees.  So there you go!  Hopefully, that’s a good representation of who I am!”

Rachel was a 2001 graduate of Shanley High School in Fargo.  She graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Dakota in 2005 with a double major in communications and political science and the recipient of many awards from both departments.  In 2009 she graduated with honors from the University of North Dakota Law School, exactly 30 years to the day that her mother graduated from the same institution.

This extraordinary human is the daughter of Patricia and Eric Monson and Terry Ellingson.  Her sister and absolute best friend is Rebecca Ellingson, all of Fargo.  Rachel was married to Daniel Dean on October 22, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana, one of their favorite cities.  They lived in New York City which she always considered her second home.  She is “Auntie Rachie” to the adorable Adlie Elizabeth who resembles her in so many ways.  Others who will miss beyond words kissing her dimpled cheeks, receiving her loving hugs and hearing her uproarious laugh are sister, Jessica Monson, Victoria, MN; brother Michael (Michelle) Monson, Zach and Cade, Elk River, MN; Grandmothers LaVina Rudek, Fargo; Erna Ellingson, Grand Forks; In-laws Linda Dean and Shaun Hoyle; George Dean and Alison Stringfellow; brother and sister-in-law Alex Dean and Paula Sarmiento, and newborn daughter, Alba Rosa, all of the United Kingdom. She was loved by and an inspiration to numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and their children who adored her as their “hero.”  Grandpas Larry Rudek and Lester Ellingson were just two of the special angels who wrapped her in loving arms as she made her journey to her new home.

In recent months, Rachel made it her mission to express not only how she was feeling and dealing with her diagnosis, but also encouraged others to express how they felt.  She sat at a table on the 46^th floor of her apartment building with a panoramic view of the New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty to begin writing her blog.  If you knew and loved Rach, you may have already read it.  If you haven’t, you really should.  The messages she shares will provide strength and inspiration to help you overcome whatever challenges you are facing in your life. You can find her at Rachelsremarkableride.blogspot.com.  Her mission and message will continue through all of us that knew and loved her.

A gathering to celebrate the life of this rare and irreplaceable spirit will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at The Pines, 4487 165^th Ave. SE Davenport ND.  Visitation begins at 1:00 p.m.  Please plan to join Rachel’s family for a reception in her honor and sharing of your favorite Rachel stories following the program.

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that after they are gone, the light remains.” Unknown

Directions to The Pines from Fargo: Take I94 West to the Kindred exit (Exit 340), then go south on 165th Ave SE for 8 miles.